Boy · 209th of 23,106
Judah
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
34,301
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2021
Peak Popularity Year
2,178
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Judah stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Judah is a Hebrew name meaning 'praised' or 'thankful'. It has historical significance as a biblical name associated with one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name has evolved from Yehudah in Hebrew to Judah in English. It is linked to strong traits of leadership and has a positive modern perception, with biblical relevance that adds to its appeal.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒuːdə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Judah comes from the Hebrew name 'Yehudah', which means 'praised' or 'thankful'. In the Hebrew Bible, Judah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and the name is associated with the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Meaning
praised, thankfulness
Language Evolution
Yehudah (Hebrew), Judah (English)
Biblical Background
Judah is a significant figure in the Bible, known as one of the patriarchs and the ancestor of the tribe of Judah, which produced notable figures including King David and, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation, as biblical names became more favored among Christians.
Variants & Derivatives
Jude, Jud, Judie
Modern Popularity & Image
Judah is often viewed positively, associated with strength and leadership due to its biblical roots. It has seen a resurgence in modern times, especially among those seeking traditional or biblical names.
Famous People
Judah P. Benjamin, a prominent American politician and lawyer, Judah Maccabee, a historical figure known for leading a revolt against the Seleucid Empire
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,178 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Washington
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3783rd of 7545 | 73 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3812th of 6773 | 66 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3019th of 7552 | 143 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1680th of 10718 | 447 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1361st of 16616 | 1,010 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 464th of 24088 | 8,995 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 209th of 23106 | 22,755 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15632nd of 27321 | 36 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6271st of 35406 | 306 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3861st of 30306 | 470 |