Zebedee

Origin

Hebrew origin, from the name Zeḇedyā, meaning 'gift of Yahweh'. The name appears in biblical texts, notably as the name of a biblical figure who was an elder of the tribes of Israel and a prophet in the Old Testament. The spelling 'Zebedee' is an anglicised form used predominantly in Christian religious contexts.

Meaning

'Gift of God'. In Australian English, the name carries a connotation of blessing, divine blessing, or benevolence, often associated with its biblical roots.

Pronunciation

/zɛbɪˈdiː/ (zeb-uh-DEE), with stress on the last syllable, pronounced in Australian English with a clear enunciation of each syllable, [zɛb.ɪˈdiː]. The initial 'Z' as in 'zebra', and 'ee' as in 'see'.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 24 June (Feast of Saint Zebedee, recognised in some Christian denominations)
• 2 July (Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, including Zebedee as a biblical figure)
• 19 December (Religious observance of biblical figures in churches celebrating their feast days)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with zebedee:

• Benjamin and Samuel
• James and John (the biblical Zebedee's children)
• Henry and Thomas

Fun Facts

• The name Zebedee is relatively rare in Australia, often associated with biblical studies or church communities.
• In Australian literature, the name is occasionally used for quaint or historical character names, reflecting its biblical heritage.
• The name has been used for several Australian Christian community groups and youth camps, invoking its biblical significance.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name zebedee:

• Traditional
• Religious
• Steadfast
• Noble
• Dependable

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and biblical visual aesthetic, often associated with solemnity and tradition in typography and name design in Australian contexts. Suitable for both formal and informal use.

Geographical Distribution

More common in Catholic and Anglican communities across Australia, especially in regions with strong religious traditions such as Victoria and New South Wales.

Numerological Significance

Number 7, often associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical ability, aligning with the name’s biblical and spiritual heritage in numerology.

Astrological Connections

No direct astrological associations, but strong connections with faith, spirituality, and divine guidance often linked to mutable water signs like Pisces and Cancer.

Historical Context

The biblical Zebedee was the father of James and John, two of Jesus's disciples, making the name familiar among Christian communities. In Australian history, the name has been adopted occasionally in religious texts, local churches, and among families valuing biblical heritage.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable into various languages with biblical connections, with spellings such as Zeḇedyā in Hebrew and Zebadiah in Aramaic. In non-English scripts, it remains recognisable through transliterations.

Famous People Named zebedee

• Zebedee (biblical figure)
• Zebedee the marionette in Australian children’s TV show 'The Wombat and the Zebedee' (fictional)
• Zebedee the sportsman (rare references)

Popularity in Australia