Judas

Origin & Etymology

Judas is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Yehudah (Judah), meaning 'praised' or 'let God be praised.' It was once a common and honored name in ancient Judea — the patriarch Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and one of the founders of Israel. The New Testament contains multiple men named Judas, including both Judas Iscariot (the betrayer) and Judas the apostle (also called Thaddaeus).

Popularity Story

Judas fell almost completely out of use in the Western world after the New Testament narrative established Judas Iscariot as the archetypal traitor. The name has remained virtually unused for nearly two thousand years in Christian-majority cultures, though the root name Judah has experienced a notable revival in the 21st century.

Cultural Significance

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver made 'Judas' synonymous with treachery across Western culture. The phrase 'Judas kiss' — a false show of affection concealing betrayal — entered multiple languages. However, historical scholarship notes the name was once completely neutral and honorable.

Fun Facts

• Lady Gaga's 2011 hit song 'Judas' brought the name back into pop culture consciousness
• There are at least five different men named Judas in the New Testament
• Judas Maccabeus was a heroic Jewish military leader who liberated Jerusalem in 164 BCE — making Judas an honored name for centuries before the New Testament

Judas in Other Languages