What does Judson mean and where does it come from?
Judson is a surname and given name that was derived from the surname 'Judd', which itself originates from the name 'Jude.' The name has been in use since the 19th century and gained popularity due to notable figures such as Adoniram Judson, an American missionary in Burma. It is somewhat archaic and
Cultural significance
Judson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #301 in 1880 — currently #858 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Judson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Judson?
Judson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Judson Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Judson Rose
Floral · soft ending
Judson Mae
Sweet · timeless
Judson Claire
French influence · crisp
Judson Jane
Literary · strong
Judson Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Judson right now?
Rising — up 6 spots — currently #858 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #858 | 281 | ▲ up 6 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #864 | 279 | ▲ up 13 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #877 | 264 | stable · +4% births |
| 2020 | #877 | 254 | ▲ up 12 · +2% births |
| 2015 | #889 | 248 | ▲ up 410 · +88% births |
| 2010 | #1299 | 132 | ▼ down 138 · -4% births |
| 2005 | #1161 | 137 | ▲ up 305 · +63% births |
| 2000 | #1466 | 84 | ▲ up 24 · +31% births |
| 1995 | #1490 | 64 | ▼ down 477 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #1013 | 109 | ▼ down 179 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #834 | 116 | ▼ down 77 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #757 | 135 | ▼ down 15 · +7% births |
| 1975 | #742 | 126 | ▼ down 77 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #665 | 152 | ▲ up 190 · +105% births |
| 1965 | #855 | 74 | — |
The story of Judson
Judson has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 12,557 babies have received this name. Once ranked #301 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #858 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Judson in 1880:
Judson by decade
Judson peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 230 | |
| 1890s | 175 | |
| 1900s | 173 | |
| 1910s | 808 | |
| 1920s | 1,056 | |
| 1930s | 800 | |
| 1940s | 923 | |
| 1950s | 930 | |
| 1960s | 850 | |
| 1970s | 1,253 | |
| 1980s | 1,157 | |
| 1990s | 754 | |
| 2000s | 1,128 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,066 | |
| 2020s | 254 | |
What are good nicknames for Judson?
What names sound and feel like Judson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Judson also consider these
Common questions about the name Judson
What does the name Judson mean?
Judson means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Judson?
Judson is currently ranked #858 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 Judson?
Judson originates from American tradition. American 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 Judson?
Judson is a two-syllable name pronounced JH AH1 D S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Judson a common or rare name?
Judson is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.