A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Judson since 1880
Babies named Judson per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2023, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Judson's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 230 |
| 1890s | 175 |
| 1900s | 173 |
| 1910s | 808 |
| 1920s | 1,056 |
| 1930s | 800 |
| 1940s | 923 |
| 1950s | 929 |
| 1960s | 850 |
| 1970s | 1,255 |
| 1980s | 1,157 |
| 1990s | 754 |
| 2000s | 1,128 |
| 2010s | 2,070 |
| 2020s | 1,573 |
Meaning & origin
Judson, a distinctly American given name derived from a patronymic surname, carries the meaning 'son of Judd.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, when it ranked 934th. The name reached its peak popularity in that same year, making 1880 both its debut and its highest rank. After declining for much of the 20th century, Judson has been on a steady rise since 1992. In 2025, it remains a relatively uncommon choice, used at a rate of about 1 in every 6,778 boys. The name is most frequently found in Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky, reflecting a regional concentration in the southern United States. Judson offers a surname style with a solid, traditional feel.
Judson originated as an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Judd.' Judd itself is a medieval diminutive of Jordan, which derives from the Hebrew name Yarden, referring to the Jordan River. The surname Judson was adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States, where it saw early use in the 19th century and has persisted as a traditional masculine name.
Where Judson 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Judd
Sibling names for Judson
Names that share Judson's style, for a brother or sister.
