Adaiah
Adaiah Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ə.ˈdeɪ.jə/
Meaning of Adaiah: Adaiah is a Hebrew theophoric name composed of adah (adornment, beauty) and Yah (a shortened form of the divine name YHWH).
Meaning “Yahweh has adorned” or “adorned by Yahweh.” The name appears numerous times in the Old Testament—it is one of the more common male names in the later books of the Hebrew Bible.
The most notable bearer is Adaiah father of Jedidah, who is identified in 2 Kings 22:1 as the father of Jedidah and maternal grandfather of King Josiah of Judah, one of the most-praised kings in the Hebrew Bible for his religious reforms.
What Does Adaiah Mean? Origin & Etymology
Other Old Testament Adaiahs include a Levite in the genealogy of Ezra (Nehemiah 11:12), a man whose son participated in Jerusalem’s resettlement after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 11:5), and several men listed in post-exilic records who had taken foreign wives and were required to divorce them (Ezra 10:29, 39).
The name’s frequency in post-exilic texts suggests it was particularly common in the 6th–5th century BCE period of Jewish history. Adaiah is rare as a modern given name. It appears occasionally in evangelical Christian communities seeking authentic Hebrew names from the full breadth of the Old Testament.
The name’s combination of beauty (adah) and divine connection (Yah) gives it a clear positive meaning, and its rarity makes it attractive to families who prefer names that are biblical but not overused.
The pronunciation is ah-DAY-yah in American English. Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Adaiah
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Adaiah – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Adaiah
What does Adaiah mean?
Adaiah is Hebrew ' Yahweh has adorned' meaning Yahweh has adorned; This is the name of numerous Old Testament characters, including the father of Jedidah ..
How popular is Adaiah?
Adaiah is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
How do you pronounce Adaiah?
Adaiah is pronounced /ə.ˈdeɪ.jə/. The name originates in Biblical tradition.
What are variants of Adaiah?
Adaiah has related forms in other languages: 'Adaya (Biblical Hebrew). These variants all share the same root and meaning.