What does Judah mean and where does it come from?
Judah (יְהוּדָה) is of Hebrew origin, deriving from the biblical figure Judah, who was one of the sons of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. The name means 'praised' and has implications of thanksgiving. While traditionally a male name, it has seen usage as a female name, particularly in modern co
Cultural significance
Judah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of praised.
Peak popularity
Reached #178 in 2024 — currently #178 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Judah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Judah?
Judah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Judah Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Judah Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Judah Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Judah Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Judah Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Judah Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Judah right now?
Holding steady — currently #178 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #178 | 2,050 | stable · -2% births |
| 2024 | #178 | 2,092 | ▼ down 2 |
| 2023 | #176 | 2,096 | ▲ up 4 |
| 2022 | #180 | 2,094 | ▲ up 2 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #182 | 2,133 | ▲ up 2936 · +4166% births |
| 2020 | #3118 | 50 | ▲ up 1473 · +67% births |
| 2015 | #4591 | 30 | ▲ up 281 · +3% births |
| 2010 | #4872 | 29 | ▲ up 1147 · +45% births |
| 2005 | #6019 | 20 | ▲ up 827 · +33% births |
| 2000 | #6846 | 15 | ▲ up 2003 · +67% births |
| 1995 | #8849 | 9 | ▲ up 4278 · +80% births |
| 1990 | #13127 | 5 | — |
The story of Judah
Judah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. A total of 25,602 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13127 in 1990 to #176 in 2023. Judah is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Judah in 2024:
Judah by decade
Judah peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 23 | |
| 1920s | 59 | |
| 1930s | 44 | |
| 1940s | 32 | |
| 1950s | 78 | |
| 1960s | 107 | |
| 1970s | 349 | |
| 1980s | 509 | |
| 1990s | 1,037 | |
| 2000s | 5,105 | |
| 2010s ★ | 16,135 | |
| 2020s | 6,347 | |
What are good nicknames for Judah?
What names sound and feel like Judah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Judah also consider these
How is Judah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Judah
What does the name Judah mean?
Judah means "praised" — 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 Judah?
Judah is currently ranked #176 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Judah?
Judah 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 do you pronounce the name Judah?
Judah is a two-syllable name pronounced JOO-duh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Judah more of a girl or boy name?
Judah is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.