Obidiah is an uncommon name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew words "av" meaning "father," and "diyah" which means "knowledge." Thus, Obidiah translates to "my father knows," or more commonly known as "my father is wise."
The name Obidiah was first introduced in the Bible's Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles. It was the name of one of King David's mighty men, Obadiah son of Jesse. However, it wasn't until the Puritan era that the name gained popularity.
In the 17th century, English settlers brought the name to America and it became popular among the early Pilgrims due to its biblical roots. Over time, the name evolved from Obidiah to its more familiar forms such as Obadiah or Obie.
Today, Obidiah is still considered an uncommon name but can be found in various cultures worldwide. It's often associated with individuals who are wise and knowledgeable like its original meaning implies.
"Obidiah had a notable year in 2020 with seven births, bringing its total to seven."