A given name, typically short for Jedediah, meaning 'beloved of God' in Hebrew. Also appears as a standalone name with rural or traditional American associations.
From Hebrew יְדִידְיָה (Yedidyah), composed of yadid 'beloved, friend' + Yah (shortened form of Yahweh). The biblical name was adopted by Puritan settlers and became particularly associated with American frontier culture through characters like Jed Clampett.
Jed carries the fascinating duality of ancient Hebrew scripture and American backwoods culture - from a biblical name meaning 'beloved of God' to the folksy patriarch of The Beverly Hillbillies. This transformation shows how names can travel through time and cultures, gathering new associations while retaining their core identity.
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