"praised"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Judy
Pronunciation: [ j-OOD-ee ]
Girl Name
#1,652 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A golden-era classic carried by Judy Garland
English
American
Jewish
Vintage
Classic
Playful
Traditional
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"Jewish woman"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
The Story of Judy
Judy is a diminutive of Judith, which derives from the Hebrew name 'Yehudit,' meaning 'woman of Judea' or 'praised.' Judith was a heroic figure in the Hebrew Bible who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The name Judith became Judy as an affectionate English shortened form, and from the mid-20th century, Judy often stood alone as an independent given name.
Judy peaked in the 1940s and 1950s as one of the most popular girls' names in the United States and United Kingdom, largely buoyed by the enormous fame of Judy Garland (born Frances Gumm), who became the most beloved entertainer of her era. The name has declined steadily since the 1960s, making it a rarity for modern babies and giving it a distinctly vintage charm.
Judy Garland's legacy makes this name inseparable from Hollywood's golden age and the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939). In British culture, Judy is also known through the traditional Punch and Judy puppet shows, which have entertained children since the 17th century.
Fun Facts
- Judy Garland's real name was Frances Ethel Gumm — she adopted the stage name Judy at age 13
- Punch and Judy puppet shows have featured a character named Judy since at least the 17th century in Britain
Judy in Other Languages
French
Judith
German
Judith
Hebrew
יְהוּדִית
Italian
Giuditta
Spanish
Judit
Famous People Named Judy
J
Judge Judy Sheindlin
Other
1942
American judge and television personality, host of the long-running Judge Judy courtroom show
D
Dame Judi Dench
Actor
1934
British actress known for her roles in Shakespeare productions and as M in the James Bond franchise
J
Judy Garland
Actor
1922
American actress and singer, iconic for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,652
- Total SSA Count
- 124
- Cultural Origins
- English American Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jude
Judie
Pairs Well With
Judy Ann
Judy Marie
Judy Lynn
Judy Rose
Judy Kay
Judy Ellen
Judy Clare
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Judy is also used as a boy name, ranked #17720.
View Judy as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Judy
What does the name Judy mean?
"praised" (from Hebrew). "Jewish woman" (from Latin). Judy is a diminutive of Judith, which derives from the Hebrew name 'Yehudit,' meaning 'woman of Judea' or 'praised.' Judith was a heroic figure in the Hebrew Bible who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The name Judith became Judy as an affectionate English shortened form, and from the mid-20th century, Judy often stood alone as an independent given name.
What is the origin of the name Judy?
Judy has Hebrew, Latin, English, American, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "praised". In Latin, it means "Jewish woman".
Is Judy a boy or girl name?
Judy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1652. As a boy name, it is ranked #17720. Judy is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Judy?
Judy is pronounced j-OOD-ee.
How popular is the name Judy?
Judy is currently ranked #1652 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Judy?
Common nicknames for Judy include Jude and Judie.
What are good middle names for Judy?
Popular middle name pairings include Judy Ann, Judy Marie, Judy Lynn, Judy Rose, Judy Kay, Judy Ellen, and Judy Clare.
What are good sibling names for Judy?
Names that pair well with Judy as siblings include Betty, Barbara, Robert, James, Dorothy, Sandra, and Tommy.
How many syllables does Judy have?
Judy has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Judy a common or rare name?
Judy is an uncommon name, ranked #1652 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Judy
Judy is a girl name with English, American, and Jewish origins . The name means "praised" in Hebrew .
Is Judy a boy or girl name? Judy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,652 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #17,720. Judy is more commonly used as a girl name.
Judy is currently ranked #1,652 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Judy has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-OOD-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Judy include Jude and Judie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Judy include Judith, Jude, Judah, Judea . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.