Holding steady, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Jebediah since 1973
Babies named Jebediah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 109 |
| 1980s | 105 |
| 1990s | 69 |
| 2000s | 156 |
| 2010s | 197 |
| 2020s | 124 |
Meaning & origin
Jebediah is a rare biblical variant that has seen modest use in the United States. First recorded for a boy in 1973, it reached its peak rank of 4,396 in 2025, where it has remained stable. With just 1 in 74,264 boys receiving the name, it is a distinctive choice. Though it shares roots with the more common Jedidiah, Jebediah's 'Jeb' nickname gives it a folksy, approachable feel. The name has never been widespread enough to have top state concentrations, but its trajectory shows it as a steady, though infrequent, choice among parents seeking an Old Testament name with a vintage sound.
Jebediah is a variant of the Hebrew name Jedidiah, the name given to King Solomon by the prophet Nathan in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 12:25), meaning 'beloved of the Lord.' The spelling with an 'e' is influenced by the similar Hebrew name Jehoshaphat and is sometimes considered a phonetic blend. It has been used primarily in English-speaking countries, often among religious families, since the Puritan era.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jeb, Jebby, Jed
Sibling names for Jebediah
Names that share Jebediah's style, for a brother or sister.
