Origin
Hebrew
Syllables
4
Zodiac
Capricorn
Trend
Rising
At a glance
Obadiah is a name often given to boys. Ranked #1412 and is currently rising on the charts. It comes from a Hebrew origin and traditionally means "Servant of the Lord or worshipper of Yahweh.". It has 4 syllables.
The Story of Obadiah
Obadiah stems from Hebrew 'Ovadyah,' meaning 'servant of the Lord,' originating in the Old Testament as a prophet's name. It entered English via the Bible in the 16th century, used among Puritans and in Jewish communities. Popularity waxed in the 19th century colonial America, declining mid-20th but reviving in niche religious circles. Etymologically, it embodies devotion, with variants in Arabic and African languages reflecting servitude to the divine.
Culturally, Obadiah signifies prophetic wisdom in Judeo-Christian traditions, symbolizing justice and humility. In African American spirituals, it's invoked for resilience against oppression. The name persists in scholarly and religious contexts, representing moral integrity across denominations and fostering a legacy of faithful service.
In media, Obadiah Stane is the villain in Iron Man films, twisting the name's biblical purity. Fictional prophets named Obadiah appear in historical novels and TV biblical epics. Its presence underscores themes of redemption and authority in literature.
Personality traits include principled integrity, guiding ethical decisions firmly, and scholarly curiosity seeking deeper truths. Obadiahs often display patient leadership, mentoring with quiet authority, and a compassionate resolve that uplifts communities. This name evokes a soul devoted to higher purpose, blending tradition with insightful modernity.
Popularity
Currently ranked #1412 on the Baby Billboard Charts. Peak rank: #1412. Changed +142 positions from last year.
Numerology Profile
Life path 4 builds stability through hard work and discipline. Practical and reliable, they create lasting structures. This path values order and perseverance.
Soul urge 8 seeks power and material success, with ambitious drive. They balance authority with ethics. This number attracts leadership opportunities.
Personality 5 appears adventurous and versatile, embracing change. Charismatic and free-spirited, they adapt quickly. This number thrives on variety.
Expression 6 nurtures family and community, expressing through care. Responsible and artistic, they harmonize lives. This number promotes love and duty.
Zodiac & Astrology
Capricorn
Capricorn's disciplined devotion matches Obadiah's servant ethos. The name's weighty tone suits the sign's ambition and wisdom. It aligns with structured faith.
Strengths
Compatible Signs
Lucky Numbers
Lucky Colors
Best Career Paths
Name Energy & Vibe
Obadiah grounds with steadfast, divine energy promoting wisdom and service. It evokes ancient strength and moral clarity. This name's vibe supports enduring commitments and spiritual depth.
Color Aura
Earthy Brown
Element
Earth
Season
Winter
Gemstone
Onyx
Spirit Animal
Owl
Power Word
Faith
Energy Type
Earth × Winter
Personality & Traits
Principled
Upholding morals guides every action steadfastly. Principles ensure integrity in decisions. This trait commands respect and trust.
Wise
Accumulated knowledge offers profound counsel. Wisdom tempers experiences into lessons. It aids in mentoring and reflection.
Patient
Enduring waits with calm fortitude. Patience yields thoughtful outcomes. This fosters steady progress over haste.
Devoted
Deep faith and loyalty anchor commitments. Devotion inspires unwavering support. It strengthens spiritual and relational bonds.
Scholarly
Love of learning pursues intellectual depths. Scholarship enriches understanding. This trait excels in study and teaching.
Compassionate
Empathy extends mercy to the needy. Compassion motivates charitable deeds. It softens authoritative presence.
Resolute
Firm resolve overcomes adversities boldly. Resoluteness drives prophetic visions. This empowers leadership roles.
Humble
Modest demeanor belies inner strength. Humility serves without seeking acclaim. It aligns with servant-hearted nature.
Famous People Named Obadiah
Obadiah Holmes
17th-century Baptist minister persecuted for beliefs in colonial America.
Obadiah Newcomb Bush
Ancestor of U.S. presidents, 19th-century businessman.
Obadiah Jones
American jazz musician and composer.
Obadiah German
Canadian politician and lawyer in early 20th century.
Obadiah Wheeler
British inventor in Victorian era machinery.
Obadiah Stane
Fictional, but actor Jeff Bridges portrayed in Iron Man.
Obadiah David
Modern Nigerian pastor and author.
Obadiah Richburg
American civil rights activist.
Obadiah Gibson
Jamaican reggae producer.
Obadiah Hogarth
Scottish artist in 18th century.
Obadiah Bumpus
Folklore figure in American tales.
Obadiah in Pop Culture
Obadiah Stane
Iron Man (film/Marvel comics)
Obadiah
The Bible (book, prophet)
Obadiah
Supernatural (TV series, demon character)
Obadiah Coles
Saints Row (video game)
Obadiah
The Leftovers (TV series, cult member)
Obadiah True
American Gods (book/TV)
Obadiah
Preacher (TV series, biblical reference)
Obadiah
The Book of Eli (film, implied prophet)
Historical Events
600 BC
Prophet Obadiah writes biblical book on justice.
1640s
Obadiah Holmes baptized, facing persecution in Massachusetts.
1800s
Obadiah Newcomb Bush settles in Ohio, family legacy begins.
2008
Obadiah Stane debuts in Iron Man film, modern pop culture.
19th century
Name popular among abolitionists in spiritual contexts.
International Variations
Obadiah in Different Scripts
عوبديا
Arabic
俄巴底亚
Chinese (Mandarin)
オバダイア
Japanese (Katakana)
오바디아
Korean
עובדיה
Hebrew
Οβαδίας
Greek
Овадия
Cyrillic
ओबादियाह
Hindi (Devanagari)
Nicknames & Short Forms
Middle Name Suggestions
Beautiful middle name pairings with Obadiah:
Obadiah James
Obadiah Thomas
Obadiah Eli
Obadiah Samuel
Obadiah David
Obadiah Micah
Obadiah Isaiah
Obadiah Gabriel
Obadiah Nathaniel
Obadiah Benjamin
Fun Facts & Trivia
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament.
The prophet Obadiah foretold Edom's downfall.
Used by Puritans as a virtue name in 1600s America.
Obadiah Stane is Iron Man's arch-nemesis in comics.
Appears in slave narratives symbolizing hope.
Hebrew root means servant, emphasizing humility.
Similar Names You Might Love
Obediah
Servant of God or Yahweh
boyAbdiel
Servant of God or God's servant
boyOzias
God is my strength, denoting divine power and fortitude
boyZebadiah
God has bestowed, signifying divine gift and faithful endowment.
boyJediah
Beloved of the Lord; friend of God, signifying divine favor and companionship.
boyObed
Servant of God or worshiper, derived from biblical roots signifying devotion.
boyAbijah
My father is the Lord
boyZadok
Righteous or just one
boyUriah
God is my light or flame
boyElijah
My God is Yahweh, symbolizing faith and divine strength
boyNoah
Signifies rest and comfort, derived from the biblical Noah who represents peace and renewal.
boyJames
Supplanter or one who follows, derived from the biblical Jacob.
boyPronunciation
oh-buh-DYE-uh
Quick Facts
This page is reviewed by the Baby Billboard Charts editorial team. Rankings come from official U.S. Social Security Administration birth records, with descriptions checked for clarity and usefulness. See our Editorial Policy for our methodology and correction process.