Rising since 1985, #178 for boys today.
Popularity of Judah since 1912
Babies named Judah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 23 |
| 1920s | 59 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 32 |
| 1950s | 78 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 349 |
| 1980s | 504 |
| 1990s | 976 |
| 2000s | 4,916 |
| 2010s | 15,907 |
| 2020s | 12,583 |
Meaning & origin
Judah has been in continuous use as a given name in the United States since at least 1912, but its popularity has surged dramatically in recent decades. After a long period of modest usage, the name began a steady climb beginning around 1985 and has been rising ever since. In 2025, it ranked 178th with approximately 1 in 833 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year so far was 2023, and it has become especially favored in Hawaii, Alaska, and Oklahoma. The name's strong biblical associations, coupled with its fresh sound and similarity to popular names like Jude (a short form), have contributed to its modern appeal. Parents drawn to names with deep historical and religious resonance often pair Judah with sibling names that share a classic, dignified quality.
Judah derives from the Hebrew name Yehudah, meaning 'praised' or 'let him be praised.' In the Old Testament, Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and founder of the Tribe of Judah, from which King David and Jesus are traditionally descended. The name became prominent among Jewish communities and later among Puritans and other Christians. It remains a classic biblical name with enduring cross-cultural appeal.
Where Judah is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Judah” around the world
Where Judah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
23
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jude, Jud, Yudah
Sibling names for Judah
Names that share Judah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Judah
Names whose popularity has moved with Judah's over the last 50 years.
