MallowbyNames

Yehudah

יְהוּדָהyeh-HOO-dah · Praised or prayed for; literally "may God be praised"

2025 rank (boys)
#4,249
Babies named in 2025
24
Peak popularity
2009
2025 frequency
1 in 71,170 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #4,249 for boys today.

Popularity of Yehudah since 1954

Babies named Yehudah per year in U.S. Social Security records.

919281960198020002020Most births 2009Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1950s5
1960s5
1970s33
1980s89
1990s121
2000s210
2010s198
2020s118

Meaning & origin

Yehudah is a name steeped in biblical history, borne by the fourth son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. The name has been consistently used among Jewish families for centuries, often chosen to honor the patriarch of the Tribe of Judah. In the United States, Yehudah has seen modest but steady usage since its first recorded appearance in 1954, with a peak in 2009 when it ranked highest in popularity. As of 2025, it ranks 4249, with a rate of 1 in 71,170 births, and its trajectory has been stable, indicating a consistent if niche presence. The name is most commonly found in states with large Jewish populations, such as New Jersey and New York. Parents who choose Yehudah often appreciate its strong religious resonance and connection to heritage.

Yehudah is the original Hebrew form of Judah, derived from the Hebrew root yadah, meaning "to praise" or "to give thanks." In the Hebrew Bible, Yehudah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the Tribe of Judah, from which the name Jew and the Kingdom of Judah are derived. The name has been borne by Jewish communities for millennia, often given in honor of the biblical patriarch.

Where Yehudah is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Yudi, Yehuda, Yudel

Variants: Judah, Yehuda, Yuda

Sibling names for Yehudah

Names that share Yehudah's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

Y is for Yehudah, our favorite little boy.

Y is for Yehudah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Yehudah's letter becomes Yehudah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Yehudah's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Yehudah mean?
Yehudah means "praised" or "may God be praised," derived from the Hebrew root yadah, meaning to give thanks or praise.
How popular is the name Yehudah?
As of 2025, Yehudah ranks 4249 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 71,170 boys given the name that year. Its popularity peaked in 2009.
Is Yehudah a boy's or girl's name?
Yehudah is almost exclusively a boy's name.