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Updated June 13, 2024

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Girl name origins & meanings

What does Jude mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning: 

  • Hebrew: Praised, thanks
  • Latin: Praised; youthful
  • Greek: Downy-haired

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Jude is pronounced jood

The name Jude has origins in multiple cultures, including Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. In Hebrew, Jude means "praise." In Latin, it signifies "youthful", while in Greek, it refers to "downy-haired." The name has a rich historical background and is recognized in various parts of the world for its timeless appeal.

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Jude mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning: 

  • Hebrew: Praised, thanks
  • Latin: Praised; youthful
  • Greek: Downy-haired

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Jude is pronounced jood

The name Jude has origins in both Hebrew and Latin. In Hebrew, it means "praised" or "thanks," reflecting a sense of gratitude and reverence. In Latin, it also translates to "praised." The name is often associated with the Apostle Jude, one of the Twelve Apostles in the New Testament. It has a strong, classic feel and has remained a popular choice for boys over the years.

How Popular Is The Name Jude

Family name origins & meanings

 

English, French, and German: from the vernacular form of the Hebrew personal name Yehuda "Judah" (of unknown meaning). In the Bible, this is the name of Jacob’s eldest son. It was not a popular name among Christians in medieval Europe, because of the associations it had with Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Among Jews, however, the Hebrew name and its reflexes in various Jewish languages (such as Yiddish Yude) have been popular for generations, and have given rise to many Jewish surnames.

French: name for a Jew, Old French jude (Latin Iudaeus, Greek Ioudaios, from Hebrew Yehudi "member of the tribe of Judah").

English: from a pet form of Jordan.

 

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Jude in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

  • Jude St. Francis from A Little Life - A central character in the novel, grappling with a traumatic past and a complex present.
  • Jude Fawley from Jude the Obscure - The protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel, who dreams of becoming a scholar but faces many obstacles.
  • Jude Duarte from The Cruel Prince - A mortal girl in a faerie world, known for her ambition and determination to succeed.
  • Jude Lizowski from 6teen - A laid-back skateboarder and one of the main characters in the animated television series.
  • Jude Harrison from Instant Star - A teenage singer-songwriter who wins a music contest and navigates the challenges of fame.

Popularity of the Name Jude

According to Social Security Administration data, Jude has seen a steady rise in popularity in recent years, climbing up the ranks and becoming a favored choice among parents.

Historically, Jude has been associated with a variety of significant figures. Saint Jude, one of the original twelve apostles, is a well-known historical bearer of the name, often invoked as the patron saint of lost causes. In the realm of entertainment, Jude Law, an acclaimed British actor, has brought the name prominence through his performances in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley and Sherlock Holmes. The name Jude also appears in popular culture, famously featured in the Beatles' iconic song "Hey Jude." Fictional characters named Jude appear in works such as the novel Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy, and the character Jude St. Francis in the novel A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. These various associations have helped maintain Jude's appealing and timeless quality.

Where Is the Name Jude Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Jude

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

  • Judy
  • Ju-Ju

Jude Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

Appears On

Browse these related baby name lists that feature this name and many, many more!

People Who Like the Name Jude Also Like

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