Zebediah

Origin

Hebrew origin, from the name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה, Zechariah), meaning 'the Lord has remembered.' Historically mentioned in the Bible as a prophet's name, Zechariah is also used in English-speaking countries, including Australia, since the medieval period. In Australia, the name has been adopted due to its biblical roots and is sometimes associated with historical religious communities.

Meaning

'The Lord has remembered' – symbolising divine remembrance and faithfulness. In Australian contexts, it often conveys a sense of tradition, resilience, and spiritual strength.

Pronunciation

/zɛbɪˈdaɪə/ (ZEB-i-dye-uh), with emphasis on the second syllable in Australian English, featuring a clear 'z' sound and vowel pronunciation consistent with British English.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 28 September (Feast of Saint Zechariah)
• 5 December (Advent of Zechariah in Christian liturgical calendar)
• 26 June (Māori celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, with cultural stories connecting to ancestral remembrance)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with zebediah:

• Ethan and Zebediah
• Mia and Zebediah
• Charlotte and Zebediah

Fun Facts

• Zebediah is the name of a famous Australian folk character, Zebediah the Outlaw, popularised in children’s literature.
• The Australian city of Perth features a well-known public figure called Zebediah Bazzett, a local artist.
• Rarely used but historically featured in Australian botanical naming conventions for species named after biblical names.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name zebediah:

• Traditional
• Resilient
• Spiritual
• Historical
• Unique

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, biblical aesthetic with a regal and timeless visual appeal, often associated with historical or religious imagery in Australian contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More common in regions with higher religious observance, such as parts of New South Wales and Queensland, where biblical names tend to have sustained usage among certain communities.

Numerological Significance

Calculated as 4 (Z) + 5 (E) + 2 (B) + 9 (I) + 4 (D) + 1 (A) + 8 (H) = 33, which is considered a master number in numerology, symbolising compassion, inspiration, and spiritual growth in Australian beliefs.

Astrological Connections

Names associated with the number 33 often connect to Sagittarius and Pisces in astrology, embodying traits like optimism and compassion that can be seen in individuals bearing the name.

Historical Context

Despite its biblical origins, Zebediah has seen limited usage in popular culture. It has been borne by a few notable Australians, especially in the realms of music and community leadership. In literature, it appears in some historical religious texts and early colonial writings.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across English-speaking cultures, with similar forms in Hebrew (Zechariah) and variations in other languages such as Zequiri (Spanish) or Zacharias (German, Scandinavian).

Famous People Named zebediah

• Zebediah Baker (Historical figure, early Australian settler)
• Zebediah the Outlaw (Fictional folk character)
• Zebediah Kain (Character in Australian literature)

Popularity in Australia