Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Judith
GirlHebrew· “woman of Judea”
- Meaning
- woman of Judea
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JOO-dith
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #790
- US babies 2025
- 344
- Best rank
- #4 (1940)
- Peak year
- 1943
Meaning and origin of Judith
Judith is a Hebrew name that means “woman of Judea”.
Judith comes from the Hebrew Yehudit, meaning "woman of Judea" or "Jewish woman," from the same root as Judah, often linked to the idea of praise. In the Bible, Judith is the name of a wife of Esau, and in the Book of Judith, included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, she is a brave widow who saves her people by defeating the Assyrian general Holofernes. The story inspired many painters, including Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi. Judith was popular in the mid twentieth century and has a strong, classic feel. Judy and Jude are familiar nicknames.
Popularity over time
Judith has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #4 in 1940, and the most babies received it in 1943, when 25,214 were named Judith. In 2025, 344 babies were named Judith, and it ranked #790 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #341 in 1920, #21 in 1950, #386 in 1980, #612 in 2000, #873 in 2010, and #790 in 2025. Of the 454,714 US girls named Judith since records began, 48% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 108,758 babies. Since 2010, 4,886 more have been named Judith.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Joyce and Carole.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Judith ranked highest in Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | #423 | 8 |
| Missouri | #460 | 13 |
| Alabama | #503 | 10 |
| Kentucky | #531 | 8 |
| Mississippi | #577 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Judith is usually pronounced JOO-dith, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-th”.
Middle names for Judith
A few middle names that flow with Judith: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Judith
Similar names
Ruth Girl
ROOTH
“possibly friend, companion” · Hebrew
#173
Mary Girl
MEH-ree
“uncertain; often said bitter or beloved” · Hebrew
#125
Lilith Girl
LIH-lihth
“of the night” · Hebrew
#277
Marie Girl
muh-REE
“uncertain; French form of Mary” · French
#618
Ira Unisex
EYE-ruh
“watchful” · Hebrew
#822
Ruthie Girl
ROO-thee
“pet form of Ruth; possibly friend” · English
#781
Elizabeth Girl
ih-LIH-zuh-buhth
“my God is an oath” · Hebrew
#17
Anna Girl
AN-uh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#107
Eva Girl
EE-vuh
“life” · Latin
#134
Rachel Girl
RAY-chuhl
“ewe” · Hebrew
#250
Sara Girl
SEH-ruh
“princess” · Hebrew
#198
Esther Girl
ES-tur
“possibly 'star'” · Persian
#119
Lists that include Judith
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Judith mean?
Judith is a Hebrew name that means “woman of Judea”.
What is the origin of the name Judith?
Judith has Hebrew roots. Judith comes from the Hebrew Yehudit, meaning "woman of Judea" or "Jewish woman," from the same root as Judah, often linked to the idea of praise.
Is Judith a popular name?
Yes. Judith ranked #790 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Judith a boy or girl name?
Judith is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Judith?
Judith is usually pronounced JOO-dith. 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