Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Yehuda
BoyHebrew· “praised”
- Meaning
- praised
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- yuh-HOO-duh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #741
- US babies 2025
- 351
- Best rank
- #721 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Yehuda
Yehuda is a Hebrew name that means “praised”.
Yehuda is the Hebrew form of Judah, usually understood as praised. In Genesis, Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and the tribe of Judah gave its name to the kingdom of Judah and, ultimately, to the word Jew. Yehuda has been used in Jewish communities for centuries, and famous bearers include the medieval poet and philosopher Yehuda Halevi and the modern poet Yehuda Amichai. It feels traditional and meaningful. Yudi and Hudi are affectionate nicknames, and it pairs well with modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Yehuda first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 2001. Its best national rank was #721 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 365 babies. In 2025, 351 babies were named Yehuda, and it ranked #741 nationally. That is 57% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,678 in 1950, #1,522 in 1980, #1,259 in 2000, #983 in 2010, and #741 in 2025. Of the 7,885 US boys named Yehuda since records began, 29% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,951 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Dutton, Jahmir, Khai, Avyaan, and Westyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Yehuda ranked highest in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #59 | 154 |
| New York | #140 | 140 |
| Maryland | #473 | 11 |
| Florida | #1054 | 13 |
| Ohio | #1462 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Yehuda is usually pronounced yuh-HOO-duh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with Y and ends in “-da”.
Middle names for Yehuda
A few middle names that flow with Yehuda: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Yehuda
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Lists that include Yehuda
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yehuda mean?
Yehuda is a Hebrew name that means “praised”.
What is the origin of the name Yehuda?
Yehuda has Hebrew roots. Yehuda is the Hebrew form of Judah, usually understood as praised.
Is Yehuda a popular name?
Yes. Yehuda ranked #741 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Yehuda a boy or girl name?
Yehuda is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Yehuda?
Yehuda is usually pronounced yuh-HOO-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