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Jedediah
Pronounced jehd-ih-DYE-uh /d͡ʒɛd.ɪ.ˈdaɪ̯.ə/Medium
Meaning: beloved of YahwehMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
From Hebrew, Jedediah means 'beloved of Yahweh' and appears in the Bible as a second name given to Solomon. The original Yedidya and forms like Yedidyah keep that root closer to the Hebrew. The short form Jed pares it down to a single easy syllable.
Jedediah Smith, the early American explorer and mountain man of the Rockies, gave the name a rugged, trailblazing association. Its four syllables have an old-fashioned, storybook ring that suits its biblical roots.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Jedediah Smith (1799-1831)American explorer and mountain man of the Rockies
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Jedediah mean?
Jedediah is usually explained as meaning 'beloved of Yahweh ' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Jedediah?
It's commonly said jehd-ih-DYE-uh /d͡ʒɛd.ɪ.ˈdaɪ̯.ə/.
Is Jedediah a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Jedediah is used as a boy name.
How popular is Jedediah?
In 2024, Jedediah ranked #2718 in the U.S. for boys, with 48 births recorded.