What does Judas mean and where does it come from?
The name Judas is rooted in the Hebrew name יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), meaning 'praised.' It is prominently associated with Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who betrayed him, which has profoundly affected the perception of the name in Christian contexts. The name has fallen out of favor
Cultural significance
Judas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of praised.
Peak popularity
Reached #3885 in 1975 — currently #4663 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Judas?
Judas works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Judas Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Judas Rose
Floral · soft ending
Judas Mae
Sweet · timeless
Judas Claire
French influence · crisp
Judas Jane
Literary · strong
Judas Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Judas right now?
Falling — down 626 spots — currently #4663 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4663 | 22 | ▼ down 626 · -19% births |
| 2022 | #4037 | 27 | ▲ up 265 · +13% births |
| 2021 | #4302 | 24 | ▼ down 18 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #4284 | 23 | ▲ up 652 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #4936 | 19 | ▲ up 1522 · +46% births |
| 2010 | #6458 | 13 | ▼ down 789 · -7% births |
| 2005 | #5669 | 14 | ▲ up 1975 · +75% births |
| 2000 | #7644 | 8 | ▲ up 1635 · +60% births |
| 1995 | #9279 | 5 | ▼ down 2552 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #6727 | 7 | ▼ down 599 · +17% births |
| 1985 | #6128 | 6 | ▼ down 1768 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #4360 | 9 | ▼ down 475 |
| 1975 | #3885 | 9 | — |
The story of Judas
Judas is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 478 total births recorded, Judas remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3885 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4663 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Judas in 1975:
Judas by decade
Judas peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 54 | |
| 1980s | 31 | |
| 1990s | 52 | |
| 2000s | 136 | |
| 2010s ★ | 177 | |
| 2020s | 23 | |
💎Judas has only 478 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Judas?
What names sound and feel like Judas?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Judas also consider these
How is Judas written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Judas
What does the name Judas mean?
Judas means "praised" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Judas?
Judas is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Judas?
Judas originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Judas?
Judas is a two-syllable name pronounced JH UW1 D AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Judas a common or rare name?
Judas is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.