Judith

Pronunciation: [ j-OOD-uhth ]

Girl Name #831 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

A biblical heroine name awaiting its revival

English Jewish German French Spanish

Classic Strong Traditional Vintage Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"woman of Judea"

Origin: Hebrew Yehudit

Language: Hebrew

"praised, she will be praised"

Origin: Hebrew Yehudah

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Judith

Judith is the feminine form of the Hebrew name Yehudith, derived from Yehudah (Judah), meaning praised or the one who praises God. In the Hebrew Bible, Judith was the wife of Esau, and she is the heroine of the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, which tells of a brave widow who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The name entered European languages through the Latin Vulgate Bible.

Judith was extremely popular in the mid-20th century, ranking in the U.S. top 10 from the 1930s through 1950s. The nickname Judy became equally prominent during this period. Like Cynthia and Sandra, it has declined sharply, now associated primarily with the Boomer and Silent generations.

The story of Judith and Holofernes has inspired countless masterpieces of Western art, including famous paintings by Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Klimt. Judith represents female heroism, courage, and divine protection of the innocent.

Fun Facts

Artemisia Gentileschi painted Judith Slaying Holofernes twice - her version is considered one of the most powerful feminist statements in art history
Judith was in the U.S. top 10 baby names every year from 1934 to 1957

Judith in Other Languages

French Judith

German Judith

Hebrew Yehudit

Italian Giuditta

Spanish Judit

Hungarian Judit

Famous People Named Judith

Dame Judi Dench

Actor

1934

British actress and Dame, acclaimed for Shakespeare, James Bond, and stage work

Judy Garland

Entertainer

1922

Legendary American actress and singer, best known for The Wizard of Oz

Judith in the Book of Judith

Religious

Heroic widow who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #831
Total SSA Count: 326
Cultural Origins: English Jewish German French Spanish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Judy Jude Judi

Pairs Well With

Judith Ann Judith Marie Judith Lynn Judith Claire Judith Rose Judith Elizabeth Judith Grace

Sibling Names

Dorothy Ruth Eleanor Margaret Walter Harold George

Also a Boy Name

Judith is also used as a boy name, ranked #31190.

View Judith as a boy name →

Similar Names

Jude Judah

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Frequently Asked Questions About Judith

What does the name Judith mean?

"woman of Judea" (from Hebrew Yehudit). "praised, she will be praised" (from Hebrew Yehudah). Judith is the feminine form of the Hebrew name Yehudith, derived from Yehudah (Judah), meaning praised or the one who praises God. In the Hebrew Bible, Judith was the wife of Esau, and she is the heroine of the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, which tells of a brave widow who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The name entered European languages through the Latin Vulgate Bible.

What is the origin of the name Judith?

Judith has Hebrew Yehudit, Hebrew Yehudah, English, Jewish, German, French, and Spanish origins. In Hebrew Yehudit, it means "woman of Judea". In Hebrew Yehudah, it means "praised, she will be praised".

Is Judith a boy or girl name?

Judith is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #831. As a boy name, it is ranked #31190. Judith is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Judith?

Judith is pronounced j-OOD-uhth.

How popular is the name Judith?

Judith is currently ranked #831 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Judith?

Common nicknames for Judith include Judy, Jude, and Judi.

What are good middle names for Judith?

Popular middle name pairings include Judith Ann, Judith Marie, Judith Lynn, Judith Claire, Judith Rose, Judith Elizabeth, and Judith Grace.

What are good sibling names for Judith?

Names that pair well with Judith as siblings include Dorothy, Ruth, Eleanor, Margaret, Walter, Harold, and George.

How many syllables does Judith have?

Judith has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Judith a common or rare name?

Judith is moderately common, ranked #831 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Judith

Judith is a girl name with English, Jewish, German, French, and Spanish origins . The name means "woman of Judea" in Hebrew Yehudit .

Is Judith a boy or girl name? Judith is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #831 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,190. Judith is more commonly used as a girl name.

Judith is currently ranked #831 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Judith has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-OOD-uhth, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Judith include Judy, Jude, and Judi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.