Gedalia

Hebrew

"made great by Jehovah"

Gedalia Origin and Meaning

The name Gedalia is a boy's name.

Gedalia is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from 'Gedalyah' meaning 'God is great' or 'God has become great.' This biblical name appears in the Old Testament, belonging to several figures including a governor of Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after the Babylonian conquest. The name carries significant religious importance in Jewish tradition, with a minor fast day (Tzom Gedaliah) commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam. While uncommon in mainstream American culture, Gedalia maintains consistent usage within Jewish communities, particularly among Orthodox families honoring Hebrew naming traditions. The name combines spiritual significance with historical depth, offering parents a meaningful choice with ancient roots and clear religious connotations.