Judas
“praised” — Associated with Judas Iscariot
Israel origin · Boy name
#4941US 2025
20Births / yr
↑Rising
517All-time births
📅 Since 196900
How to pronounce Judas
JOO·dus
/ˈdʒuː.dəs/ · stress on JOO · 2 syllables
“praised”
Associated with Judas Iscariot · Israel origin
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 #4941 in the US.
How popular is Judas right now?
Rising fast — up 213 spots — currently #4941 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
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 | 62 |
Judas has only 478 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Judas?
Common
JudJudieJudy
How is Judas written in other languages?
Ιουδας
Ancient Greek
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 JOO-dus. 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.