Declining since 2006, #2,056 for boys today.
Popularity of Obed since 1880
Babies named Obed per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 93 |
| 1920s | 136 |
| 1930s | 77 |
| 1940s | 68 |
| 1950s | 71 |
| 1960s | 115 |
| 1970s | 184 |
| 1980s | 326 |
| 1990s | 599 |
| 2000s | 1,083 |
| 2010s | 889 |
| 2020s | 472 |
Meaning & origin
Obed is a biblical name that has never been common in the United States but has maintained a steady if small presence. In its peak year of 2005, the name reached its highest rank, though it has been falling in popularity since 2006. As of 2025, roughly 1 in every 23,723 boys is named Obed, placing it at rank 2,056. The name is most frequently given in Arizona, Texas, and Florida, reflecting its stronger usage in states with larger Hispanic communities, where the Spanish pronunciation is also familiar. Obed's biblical pedigree, as the grandfather of King David, gives it a solid traditional resonance without being overused.
Obed is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament, derived from the root 'avad' meaning 'to serve, to worship.' In the Bible, Obed is the son of Boaz and Ruth, and the grandfather of King David. The name has been used among English-speaking Christians since the Protestant Reformation, particularly in Puritan communities.
Where Obed is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Obed” around the world
Where Obed lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Obie
Sibling names for Obed
Names that share Obed's style, for a brother or sister.
