The name Jedidiah is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew words "yadid" meaning "beloved" and "Yah" which is a shortened form of the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh or Jehovah. The name can be translated to mean "beloved of God" or "friend of God."

The earliest known use of the name Jedidiah can be traced back to the Old Testament of the Bible, where it was given as a symbolic name to King Solomon by the prophet Nathan, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 12:25. This biblical reference suggests that the name was in use among the ancient Israelites during the 10th century BCE.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Jedidiah was Jedidiah Morse, an American congregational minister, geographer, and father of American geography, who lived from 1761 to 1826. He is known for his significant contributions to the field of geography and for publishing several influential works, including the first American geography textbook.

Another notable figure with the name Jedidiah was Jedidiah Strutt, an English inventor and industrialist from the 18th century, born in 1726 and died in 1797. He is credited with innovations in the cotton-spinning industry and the development of the Derby Rib Machine, which revolutionized the production of ribbed stockings.

In the 19th century, Jedidiah Leavitt, an American sailor and whaler, gained fame for his daring exploits and survival stories. He was born in 1783 and died in 1848, and his adventures were documented in the book "Leavitt's Old Truck" published in 1859.

Jedidiah Hotchkiss, an American military engineer and topographer, played a significant role during the American Civil War. Born in 1828 and died in 1899, he is renowned for his detailed maps and surveys, which were instrumental in many battles and campaigns during the conflict.

Jedidiah Buxton, an English philanthropist and social reformer, lived from 1707 to 1772. He is remembered for his efforts in establishing schools and promoting education for the underprivileged, as well as his advocacy for the abolition of slavery and the improvement of prison conditions.