Zebedee

Zebedee is the English biblical form of Greek Zebedaios, which represents Hebrew Zebadiah. Its older elements express the idea that Yahweh has given. The familiar gift-of-God interpretation summarizes that fuller meaning, while the final -ee reflects the name's journey through Greek into English.

In the New Testament, Zebedee is the fisherman whose sons James and John become disciples of Jesus. The scene in which they leave their fishing work gives the name a particularly human setting among biblical names: a father, his sons, and their everyday livelihood. British audiences may also recognize Zebedee from The Magic Roundabout, adding a much later television association. Zeb is an established short form for families who want a brief everyday version alongside the full biblical name.