What does Yehudah mean and where does it come from?
Yehudah is a Hebrew name that is often anglicized as Judah. It holds significant historical and cultural importance in Jewish tradition as it is the name of one of Jacob's twelve sons and an ancestor of King David. The tribe of Judah was known for its strength and leadership, contributing to the his
Cultural significance
Yehudah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of יְהוּדָה.
Peak popularity
Reached #3037 in 1982 — currently #4601 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yehudah?
Yehudah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yehudah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yehudah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yehudah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yehudah Claire
French influence · crisp
Yehudah Jane
Literary · strong
Yehudah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yehudah right now?
Rising fast — up 1253 spots — currently #4601 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4601 | 23 | ▲ up 1253 · +44% births |
| 2022 | #5854 | 16 | ▼ down 1084 · -24% births |
| 2021 | #4770 | 21 | ▲ up 470 · +24% births |
| 2020 | #5240 | 17 | ▼ down 667 · -19% births |
| 2015 | #4573 | 21 | ▲ up 515 · +17% births |
| 2010 | #5088 | 18 | ▼ down 208 · +6% births |
| 2005 | #4880 | 17 | ▼ down 773 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #4107 | 19 | ▲ up 2464 · +138% births |
| 1995 | #6571 | 8 | ▼ down 2293 · -38% births |
| 1990 | #4278 | 13 | ▼ down 348 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #3930 | 11 | ▲ up 198 · +38% births |
| 1975 | #4128 | 8 | — |
The story of Yehudah
Yehudah entered American naming records in 1954 and has been in use for over 70 years. With 674 total births recorded, Yehudah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4128 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4601 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yehudah in 1982:
Yehudah by decade
Yehudah peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 33 | |
| 1980s | 89 | |
| 1990s | 121 | |
| 2000s ★ | 208 | |
| 2010s | 196 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎Yehudah has only 674 total recorded births since 1954 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yehudah?
What names sound and feel like Yehudah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yehudah also consider these
How is Yehudah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Yehudah
What does the name Yehudah mean?
Yehudah means "יְהוּדָה" — 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 Yehudah?
Yehudah 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 Yehudah?
Yehudah 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 Yehudah?
Yehudah is a three-syllable name pronounced Y EH1 HH UW1 D AH1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Yehudah?
Yehudah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Israel heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.