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Boaz vs Zebadiah

Which is more popular?
Boaz is more popular than Zebadiah today: about 268 US babies were given the name Boaz in 2025, compared with 0 named Zebadiah.
BoazZebadiah
Meaning in him is strength (disputed) Yahweh has bestowed
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation BOH-az zeb-ə-DY-ə
Syllables 2 4
First appeared19280
Peak year2025 (268)2001 (49)
In 20252680
TrendNear its peakSteady
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Boaz Zebadiah
19401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeBoazZebadiah
2020s 1,342 124
2010s 1,315 197
2000s 477 252
1990s 180 249
1980s 89 211
1970s 57 79
1960s 11 0
1920s 5 0

What does Boaz mean?

Scholarly readings favor 'in him is strength' or 'in strength,' from be 'in' + oz (root '-z-z, 'to be strong'). An alternative traces it to a root meaning 'swiftness, quickness,' and Martin Noth preferred 'sharp mind.' The name of Ruth's husband and of a pillar of Solomon's Temple. The widespread name-site gloss 'swiftness' is weaker than the 'strength' reading; meaning is debated.

What does Zebadiah mean?

From Hebrew Zebadyah, from zabad 'to give/bestow' (noun zebed 'gift') + yah (Yahweh) — 'Yahweh has bestowed/given'. A 'gift of God' name; sometimes rendered 'gift of the Lord'.

Frequently asked questions

Is Boaz or Zebadiah more popular?

Boaz is more popular than Zebadiah today: about 268 US babies were given the name Boaz in 2025, compared with 0 named Zebadiah.

What is the difference between Boaz and Zebadiah?

Boaz means in him is strength (disputed) (hebrew origin), while Zebadiah means Yahweh has bestowed (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Boaz or Zebadiah?

In US records, Boaz first appears in 1928 and Zebadiah in 0, so Zebadiah has the longer recorded history.