Origin
Hebrew origin, from the name Zeḇadiyāh, meaning 'Yahweh has bestowed'. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as a prophet and is rooted in ancient Semitic languages. It has historically been used within Judeo-Christian contexts and occasionally among Christian communities in Australia.
Meaning
'Yahweh has bestowed' or 'gift of God'. In Australian English contexts, it carries a biblical and honourific connotation, often evoking tradition and historical reverence.
Pronunciation
/ˌzɛbəˈdaɪə/ (ZEB-uh-die-uh), with emphasis on the penultimate syllable in Australian English pronunciation, typically pronouncing the 'z' as in 'zebra'.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Zebadiah (original biblical form)
- Zebadiyah (alternative transliteration)
- Zeubbadiah (rare variant)
Nicknames
- Zeb
- Zebby
- Diah
Name Days
- 08 December (Feast of the Prophet Zechariah, which sometimes includes Zeḇadiyāh)
- 25 December (Christmas Day, generally celebrated across Australia, with religious observance for biblical figures including prophets)
- Other religious commemorations may be observed in community-specific calendars.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with zebadiah:
- Zechariah and Elisha
- Zebedee and Simeon
- Zebediah and Elijah
Fun Facts
- The name Zebadiah is quite rare in Australia, often associated with biblical scholars or historical religious texts.
- It has appeared in Australian literature when referencing biblical or historical themes.
- Some Australian Christian community groups have adopted biblical names like Zebadiah for church publications or youth groups.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name zebadiah:
- Traditional
- Religious-minded
- Historical
- Serious
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a classical and somewhat ornate visual appeal, with a strong biblical and historical stylistic resonance in its spelling and pronunciation.
Geographical Distribution
While universally rare, it may be slightly more known among religious communities in urban centres such as Sydney and Melbourne where biblical literacy is higher.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, often associated with introspection, spirituality, and wisdom in numerology interpretations within Australian contexts and broader numerological beliefs.
Astrological Connections
Typically associated with the zodiac sign Pisces or Virgo, reflecting traits of introspection, spirituality, and meticulousness, based on birth dates of individuals named Zebadiah.
Historical Context
The name appears in religious history, notably as one of the prophets in biblical texts, and has been used in literary works referencing biblical narratives. In Australia, it is sometimes chosen by families with religious backgrounds who wish to preserve biblical heritage.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name maintains its original Hebrew spelling and pronunciation in religious contexts worldwide, but is seldom adapted in everyday use in Australia.
Famous People Named zebadiah
- None widely known in Australian popular culture, though references occasionally appear in biblical studies or religious art.
- In biblical and scholarly texts, Zebadiah is noted as a prophet or biblical figure.
- No prominent Australian celebrities bear this name.
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2013 | 1 |