Origin and Meaning of Jedidiah

Beloved of the Lord

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name יְדִידְיָה (Yedidya), composed of 'yadid' meaning 'beloved' and 'Yah' referring to God, thus translating to 'beloved of Yahweh'.

• Jedidiah is a biblical name belonging to the son of King David and Bathsheba, reflecting a deep connection to ancient Israelite culture.
• The name highlights its significance in Judeo-Christian contexts, often associated with themes of divine love and favor.
• Notable bearers of the name include Jedidiah Smith, an important American explorer and fur trapper in the early 19th century.
• While not among the most popular names, Jedidiah has seen periodic usage in the United States, particularly among families seeking biblical names for their children.
• Variations of the name include Jedediah and the shortened form Jed.