"praised"
Origin: Hebrew Yehudit via Judith
Language: English
Jody
Pronunciation: [ j-OHD-ee ]
Does Jody flow with your last name?
A beloved mid-century classic with warm, down-to-earth charm
English
American
Australian
Vintage
Casual
Playful
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"woman of Judea"
Origin: Hebrew biblical
Language: English
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The Story of Jody
Jody originated as a diminutive of Judy, itself a shortened form of Judith — from the Hebrew Yehudit meaning 'woman of Judea' or 'praised.' Judith was a celebrated heroine of the Hebrew Bible, whose courage in beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes saved her people. The friendly, informal Jody emerged in American English in the early 20th century and became particularly popular in the 1950s-1970s.
Jody was a quintessential mid-century American name, peaking in the 1960s-1970s alongside similar names like Wendy, Cindy, and Tammy. It has declined steadily since the 1980s, making it a genuine vintage name with nostalgic appeal.
In 1960s-70s American culture, Jody was a friendly, unpretentious name associated with the girl-next-door. Actress Jodie Foster's career brought tremendous visibility to the name, cementing it as a cultural touchstone.
Historical Record
Jody first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 54,226 babies have been named Jody in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Jody is past its peak , currently ranked #6,625 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jody was in the US top 100 from the late 1950s through the 1970s
- The song 'Jody' has been recorded by multiple artists, reflecting the name's cultural resonance
- Actress Jodie Foster has carried the name to global fame since the 1970s
Jody in Other Languages
French
Jody
German
Jody
Italian
Jody
Spanish
Jody
Portuguese
Jody
Popularity Over Time
#6,625
Current Rank
Peaked 1970
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Jody
J
Jodi Picoult
Writer
1966
American bestselling novelist known for emotionally charged stories exploring moral dilemmas, including My Sister's Keep...
American bestselling novelist known for emotionally charged stories exploring moral dilemmas, including My Sister's Keeper
J
Jodie Foster
Actor
1962
Two-time Academy Award-winning American actress and filmmaker, known for Taxi Driver, The Silence of the Lambs, and Sile...
Two-time Academy Award-winning American actress and filmmaker, known for Taxi Driver, The Silence of the Lambs, and Silence of the Lambs
J
Jody Watley
Musician
1959
American singer and dancer who achieved success as a solo artist and with Shalamar, winning a Grammy for Best New Artist
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,625
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Jody
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Jody is also used as a boy name, ranked #2692.
View Jody as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jody
What does the name Jody mean?
"praised" (from Hebrew Yehudit via Judith). "woman of Judea" (from Hebrew biblical). Jody originated as a diminutive of Judy, itself a shortened form of Judith — from the Hebrew Yehudit meaning 'woman of Judea' or 'praised.' Judith was a celebrated heroine of the Hebrew Bible, whose courage in beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes saved her people. The friendly, informal Jody emerged in American English in the early 20th century and became particularly popular in the 1950s-1970s.
What is the origin of the name Jody?
Jody has Hebrew Yehudit via Judith, Hebrew biblical, English, American, and Australian origins. In Hebrew Yehudit via Judith, it means "praised". In Hebrew biblical, it means "woman of Judea".
Is Jody a boy or girl name?
Jody is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6625. As a boy name, it is ranked #2692. Jody is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Jody?
Jody is pronounced j-OHD-ee.
How popular is the name Jody?
Jody is currently ranked #6625 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Jody?
Popular middle name pairings include Jody Lynn, Jody Mae, Jody Ann, Jody Beth, Jody Claire, Jody Marie, and Jody Grace.
What are good sibling names for Jody?
Names that pair well with Jody as siblings include Todd, Wendy, Kim, Scott, Cindy, Robbie, and Tammy.
How many syllables does Jody have?
Jody has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jody a common or rare name?
Jody is an uncommon name, ranked #6625 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Jody?
About the Name Jody
Jody is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "praised" in Hebrew Yehudit via Judith .
Is Jody a boy or girl name? Jody is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,625 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,692. Jody is more commonly used as a boy name.
Jody is currently ranked #6,625 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jody has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-OHD-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jody include Jo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jody include Jodi, Jodie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis