"servant, worshipper of God"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Obed
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A rare biblical gem from Ruth's lineage
Hebrew
English
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Classic
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Meaning & Origin
"one who serves"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Obed
Obed is a Hebrew name meaning 'servant' or 'worshipper of God,' from the root word 'abad' meaning to work or serve. In the Old Testament, Obed was the son of Boaz and Ruth, and the grandfather of King David, making him a pivotal figure in the royal and messianic lineage of Israel.
Obed was used in English-speaking countries during the Puritan era when Old Testament names were fashionable. It has remained rare but steady in religious communities that value its biblical heritage. It sees occasional use in Latin American countries as well.
In Christian and Jewish traditions, Obed carries profound biblical significance as part of the lineage leading to King David and, in Christian belief, to Jesus. The Book of Ruth, one of the most beloved biblical narratives, culminates with Obed's birth.
Historical Record
Obed first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,667 babies have been named Obed in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Obed is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,942 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Obed appears in the biblical genealogy of both King David and, in the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth
- The Book of Ruth ends with Obed's birth, presented as a sign of divine redemption
Obed in Other Languages
Greek
Ωβήδ
Arabic
عوبيد
Spanish
Obed
Portuguese
Obede
Popularity Over Time
#1,942
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Obed
O
Obed Hussain
Athlete
1988
Trinidadian sprinter and Olympic athlete
O
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,942
- Total SSA Count
- 81
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew English Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Obed
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Obed
What does the name Obed mean?
"servant, worshipper of God" (from Hebrew). "one who serves" (from Hebrew). Obed is a Hebrew name meaning 'servant' or 'worshipper of God,' from the root word 'abad' meaning to work or serve. In the Old Testament, Obed was the son of Boaz and Ruth, and the grandfather of King David, making him a pivotal figure in the royal and messianic lineage of Israel.
What is the origin of the name Obed?
Obed has Hebrew, English, and Spanish origins. In Hebrew, it means "servant, worshipper of God". In Hebrew, it means "one who serves".
Is Obed a boy or girl name?
Obed is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Obed?
Obed is currently ranked #1942 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Obed?
Popular middle name pairings include Obed James, Obed Michael, Obed Samuel, Obed Elias, Obed David, and Obed John.
What are good sibling names for Obed?
Names that pair well with Obed as siblings include Naomi, Ruth, Eli, Ezra, Miriam, and Caleb.
How many syllables does Obed have?
Obed has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Obed a common or rare name?
Obed is an uncommon name, ranked #1942 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Obed?
Are there other spellings for Obed?
Related spellings include Oberon.
About the Name Obed
Obed is a boy name with Hebrew, English, and Spanish origins . The name means "servant, worshipper of God" in Hebrew .
Obed is currently ranked #1,942 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Obed has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Obed include Oberon . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis