What does Judith mean and where does it come from?
Judith is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name 'Yehudit' (יהודית), referring to someone from Judea. It first appeared in the Old Testament, where Judith is known for her bravery and cunning in saving her people. The Latin root suggests a meaning of praise, which can also be interpreted as
Cultural significance
Judith has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #4 in 1940 — currently #905 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Judith?
Judith works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Judith Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Judith Rose
Floral · soft ending
Judith Mae
Sweet · timeless
Judith Claire
French influence · crisp
Judith Jane
Literary · strong
Judith Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Judith right now?
Declining — down 22 spots — currently #905 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #905 | 295 | ▼ down 22 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #883 | 316 | ▲ up 70 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #953 | 275 | ▼ down 52 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #901 | 287 | ▲ up 27 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #928 | 293 | ▼ down 54 · -3% births |
| 2010 | #874 | 303 | ▼ down 328 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #546 | 525 | ▲ up 69 · +27% births |
| 2000 | #615 | 413 | ▼ down 111 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #504 | 486 | ▼ down 51 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #453 | 545 | ▼ down 45 · -1% births |
| 1985 | #408 | 551 | ▼ down 22 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #386 | 597 | ▼ down 102 · -30% births |
| 1975 | #284 | 853 | ▼ down 91 · -49% births |
| 1970 | #193 | 1,670 | ▼ down 91 · -53% births |
| 1965 | #102 | 3,582 | — |
The story of Judith
Judith has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #4 in 1940, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 454,340 babies have been named Judith since 1880. Judith is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Judith in 1940:
Judith by decade
Judith peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 142 | |
| 1890s | 323 | |
| 1900s | 432 | |
| 1910s | 2,044 | |
| 1920s | 5,173 | |
| 1930s | 50,095 | |
| 1940s ★ | 218,631 | |
| 1950s | 108,945 | |
| 1960s | 39,896 | |
| 1970s | 9,876 | |
| 1980s | 5,858 | |
| 1990s | 5,090 | |
| 2000s | 4,527 | |
| 2010s | 3,021 | |
| 2020s | 287 | |
What are good nicknames for Judith?
ENGLISH
JodeneJodiJodieJodyJudeJudiJudieJudy
Famous people named Judith
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Judith (historical community leader)
Judith led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
J(
Judith (historical community leader)
Judith led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
J(
Judith (historical figure)
Judith bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Judith?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Judith also consider these
How is Judith written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Judith
What does the name Judith mean?
Judith means "Hebrew" — 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 Judith?
Judith is currently ranked #905 as a baby 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 Judith?
Judith 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 Judith?
Judith is a two-syllable name pronounced JH UW1 D AH0 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Judith a common or rare name?
Judith is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.