William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Judah
BoyHebrew· “praised”
- Meaning
- praised
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JOO-duh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #178
- US babies 2025
- 2,050
- Best rank
- #176 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Judah
Judah is a Hebrew name that means “praised”.
Judah comes from the Hebrew Yehudah, traditionally explained as praised. In the Book of Genesis, Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants formed the tribe of Judah, from which the later Kingdom of Judah and the word Jew take their names. The Maccabean leader Judah Maccabee is honored during Hanukkah. Judah has become a popular choice in recent years, valued for its deep roots and strong, gentle sound. It works well with both traditional and modern middle names, and Jude is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Judah first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #176 in 2023, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 2,133 were named Judah. In 2025, 2,050 babies were named Judah, and it ranked #178 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,355 in 1920, #2,900 in 1950, #1,607 in 1980, #810 in 2000, #295 in 2010, and #178 in 2025. Of the 35,578 US boys named Judah since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 12,583 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Messiah, Knox, Ace, Elliot, and Rhett.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Judah ranked highest in Hawaii, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Judah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Judah is usually pronounced JOO-duh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with J and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Judah
A few middle names that flow with Judah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Judah
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Lists that include Judah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Judah mean?
Judah is a Hebrew name that means “praised”.
What is the origin of the name Judah?
Judah has Hebrew roots. Judah comes from the Hebrew Yehudah, traditionally explained as praised.
Is Judah a popular name?
Yes. Judah ranked #178 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Judah a boy or girl name?
Judah is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Judah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Judah?
Judah is usually pronounced JOO-duh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings