What is the origin of the name Jedidiah?

The name Jedidiah is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved of the Lord" or "loved by God." It appears in the Bible as the name given to Solomon's son by his mother, Bathsheba, after she pleaded with King David to give him this name (2 Samuel 12:24-25). The name gained popularity again during the Puritan era due to its biblical significance and has been used in English-speaking countries since that time.

Learn more about the origin of the name Jedidiah

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Jedidiah

The name Jedidiah is derived from Hebrew and has biblical origins. It is composed of two elements: "jedid," which means beloved or loved, and "-yah," a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name for God in the Old Testament. In the Bible, Jedidiah is mentioned as the son of King David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12. The name was popularized again during the Puritan era due to its biblical significance, with some Puritans giving the name to their children as a sign of their religious devotion. Today, Jedidiah remains a rare but meaningful name, suggesting love and divine grace.

Character traits associated with the name Jedidiah

Jedidiah is often associated with traits such as wisdom, intelligence, and deep thoughtfulness. The name Jedidiah is derived from Hebrew, meaning "beloved of the Lord," suggesting a strong sense of faith and spirituality. Individuals named Jedidiah are often seen as introspective, reflective, and contemplative, as they carefully consider life's complexities. They tend to be diligent, hardworking, and committed to their goals, demonstrating a strong work ethic and determination. Despite their serious nature, they also possess a gentle and compassionate side, making them good listeners and empathetic friends. Overall, Jedidiahs are individuals who value knowledge, personal growth, and maintaining strong relationships with those around them.

Popularity of the name Jedidiah

Jedidiah is a biblical Hebrew name that means "beloved of the Lord," derived from the elements 'yadid,' meaning beloved, and 'Yah,' denoting the Hebrew God. Although not extremely common, Jedidiah has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries. The name's popularity varies across regions; for instance, it is more prevalent in the United States than in other parts of the world. In the U.S., Jedidiah saw a modest rise in usage during the 20th century but has since declined slightly. As of recent data from the Social Security Administration, Jedidiah ranked around position 5000 in popularity among baby boys born in the United States in 2019, indicating that it is not one of the most commonly used names.

Famous people with the name Jedidiah

Jedidiah Morse (1761-1826) was an American theologian, geographer, and educator, best known for his geography textbook "The School Geography," which was widely used in schools across America. Another notable figure with the name Jedidiah is Jedidiah Smith (1799-1831), an early American explorer and mountain man who played a significant role in exploring and mapping the western United States during the early 19th century. Lastly, Jedidiah Buxton (born 1962) is an English politician, member of the Conservative Party, and former Member of Parliament for North West Norfolk from 2010 to 2020. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party from 2014 to 2017.

Variations of the name Jedidiah

Jedidiah is primarily a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements 'yadid' (beloved) and 'Yahweh' (God), meaning "God is beloved" or "beloved of God." It is a Biblical name, found in the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles, where Jedidiah is another name for King Solomon's son.

Variations and spellings of Jedidiah include Jedediah, Jethro, Jehutun, and Etienne (a French variant). In some cases, it might be shortened to Jed or Diah, although these are less common forms of the name. Some creative spelling variations also exist, such as Jedidjah, Jedidia, and Jaiden (which may have a different meaning, being an English name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has proven").

Regardless of the specific variation, all these names maintain the original Biblical connection and meanings associated with Jedidiah.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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