"servant, worshipper of God"
Obed
A rare biblical gem from Ruth's lineage
Meaning & Origin
"one who serves"
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.
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
Famous People Named Obed
Obed Hussain
Athlete
1988
Trinidadian sprinter and Olympic athlete
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Obed and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Obed sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Obed
What does the name Obed mean?
What is the origin of the name Obed?
Is Obed a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Obed?
What are good middle names for Obed?
What are good sibling names for Obed?
How many syllables does Obed have?
Is Obed a common or rare name?
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.