Rising since 2017, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Gedalia since 1977
Babies named Gedalia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 13 |
| 2000s | 23 |
| 2010s | 32 |
| 2020s | 39 |
Meaning & origin
Gedalia is a biblical Hebrew name meaning "God has become great," reflecting a theme of divine majesty. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1977 and has been steadily climbing in usage, with a notable increase since 2017. In 2025, it ranked 8,243 nationally, with an incidence of about 1 in 189,786 newborns, marking its peak year to date. While it has not yet charted in any state's top names, its upward trajectory suggests growing appeal among parents seeking traditional yet distinctive names. The name's strong ties to Jewish heritage and its accessible nickname Geddy make it a meaningful choice for families valuing religious and historical resonance.
Gedalia is a Hebrew name derived from the elements 'gadal' (to become great) and 'Yah' (a shortened form of Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God). It appears in the Bible as the name of a governor of Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after the Babylonian conquest. The name has been used among Jewish communities for centuries and is occasionally adopted by non-Jewish families.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Geddy, Gedi, Ged
Variants: Gedaliah, Gedalyahu
Sibling names for Gedalia
Names that share Gedalia's style, for a brother or sister.
