What does Jud mean and where does it come from?
Jud is a short form of Judah (יְהוּדָה), a prominent name in Hebrew culture, meaning 'thankful' or 'praised.' It has biblical roots, as Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and significant figures in the Old Testament bore this name. Jud is less common but retains an air of simplicity and s
Cultural significance
Jud has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of thankful.
Peak popularity
Reached #2019 in 1948 — currently #10042 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Jud?
Jud works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jud Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jud Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jud Claire
French influence · crisp
Jud Jane
Literary · strong
Jud Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Jud right now?
Falling — down 2236 spots — currently #10042 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #9555 | 7 | ▼ down 2236 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #7319 | 6 | ▼ down 585 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #6734 | 5 | ▼ down 2501 · -44% births |
| 1980 | #4233 | 9 | ▼ down 1092 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #3141 | 12 | ▼ down 881 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #2260 | 17 | ▲ up 1122 · +143% births |
| 1965 | #3382 | 7 | ▼ down 1281 · -56% births |
| 1960 | #2101 | 16 | ▲ up 179 · +23% births |
| 1955 | #2280 | 13 | ▲ up 439 · +44% births |
| 1950 | #2719 | 9 | ▲ up 215 · +29% births |
| 1945 | #2934 | 7 | ▲ up 433 · +17% births |
| 1940 | #3367 | 6 | ▲ up 509 |
| 1930 | #3876 | 6 | ▼ down 223 · -14% births |
| 1925 | #3653 | 7 | ▲ up 458 · +17% births |
| 1920 | #4111 | 6 | — |
The story of Jud
Jud entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 622 total births recorded, Jud remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4260 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9555 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Jud in 1948:
Jud by decade
Jud peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 32 | |
| 1920s | 38 | |
| 1930s | 42 | |
| 1940s | 84 | |
| 1950s ★ | 115 | |
| 1960s | 115 | |
| 1970s | 113 | |
| 1980s | 19 | |
| 1990s | 20 | |
| 2000s | 13 | |
| 2010s | 24 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Jud has only 622 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Jud?
Famous people named Jud
J(
Jud (historical figure)
Jud bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Jud?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jud also consider these
Common questions about the name Jud
What does the name Jud mean?
Jud means "Thankful" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Jud?
Jud is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Jud?
Jud originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Jud sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Jud flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Jud ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Jud a common or rare name?
Jud is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.