Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Judith is a Hebrew name meaning 'Jewess' that has evolved through various languages, including Hebrew and Latin. It is associated with the biblical figure who demonstrates bravery and intelligence. The name has been popular in Christian contexts since the Middle Ages and is often viewed positively in modern times. Notable bearers include actress Judith Anderson and philosopher Judith Butler.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒuːdɪθ/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Judith comes from the Hebrew name 'Yehudit', which means 'woman from Judea' or 'Jewess'.
Meaning
Jewess
Language Evolution
Yehudit (Hebrew), Judith (Latin), Judith (Old French)
Biblical Background
Judith is a prominent figure in the Apocryphal Book of Judith, where she is portrayed as a heroic woman who saves her city by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in Christian Europe, due to its biblical association.
Variants & Derivatives
Judy, Jude, Judie
Modern Popularity & Image
Judith is often viewed as a strong and independent name, reflecting qualities of bravery and resourcefulness, though it has seen fluctuating popularity over the years.
Famous People
Judith Anderson (actress), Judith Butler (philosopher), Judith Leyster (painter)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 25,303 peak births in 1943
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1132nd of 6773 | 653 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1686th of 7552 | 411 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4282nd of 10718 | 94 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6776th of 16616 | 83 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 351st of 9107 | 6,291 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 16th of 9204 | 189,538 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 29th of 12526 | 214,414 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 192nd of 19264 | 24,255 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 438th of 27321 | 8,843 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 652nd of 35406 | 6,878 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 902nd of 30306 | 3,621 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
38.29% 592nd/1546 |
44.09% 686th/1556 |
- |
61.28% 948th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
61.56% 1371st/2227 |
60.91% 1480th/2430 |
- |
60.61% 1682nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
48.79% 3082nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
20.55% 291st/1416 |
15.74% 217th/1379 |
24.26% 574th/2366 |
28.98% 331st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
0.71% 11th/1546 |
0.84% 13th/1556 |
2.51% 59th/2353 |
1.23% 19th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.08% 24th/2227 |
0.86% 21st/2430 |
2.21% 63rd/2853 |
1.51% 42nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.74% 198th/2937 |
3.47% 121st/3483 |
7.28% 256th/3518 |
6.11% 247th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.90% 586th/3685 |
9.65% 432nd/4475 |
8.63% 448th/5194 |
5.94% 375th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
19.55% 896th/4582 |
14.47% 747th/5164 |
8.93% 653rd/7313 |
6.66% 497th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
25.30% 1008th/3984 |
20.70% 929th/4487 |
13.10% 894th/6822 |
13.22% 830th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Massachusetts across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1132nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1686th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4282nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6776th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 351st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 16th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 29th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 192nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 438th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 652nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 902nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.