Iudith: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea".It derives from the Hebrew word "yehûdı̂yth > Y'hudít".
The name Iudith carries a rich history rooted in Hebrew culture. Derived from "yehûdı̂yth > Y'hudít", this feminine name embodies the essence of It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Hebrew-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Iudith
Quick facts about Iudith
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
yehûdı̂yth > Y'hudít
How to Pronounce Iudith
Iudith is pronounced /ˈjuː.dɪθ/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Iud-ith
Say it like: "IUD-ITH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Iudith enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including swedish, finnish, latin, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
swedishfinnishlatingerman
Name Relationships
Iudith is a variant form of Judith, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Iudith means "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region.". The name comes from yehûdı̂yth > Y'hudít. In its original form, the name derives from Yehûdı̂yth (יְהוּדִית) Ioudith (Ιουδήθ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Iudith for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Iudith's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Iudith?
Iudith is a hebrew name. The name traces back to yehûdı̂yth > Y'hudít. The original form Yehûdı̂yth (יְהוּדִית) Ioudith (Ιουδήθ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Iudith spread to become common in swedish, finnish, latin, german. The hebrew meaning "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Iudith developed as a form of Judith, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Iudith a boy or girl name?
Iudith is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Iudith has historically been given to girls. The meaning "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Iudith?
Iudith is pronounced "/ˈjuː.dɪθ/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Iudith is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in swedish, finnish, latin, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Iudith can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root yehûdı̂yth > Y'hudít influences how Iudith sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Iudith?
Iudith is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Iudith offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Iudith's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Iudith holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Iudith?
Iudith is a form of Judith. Over time, Judith developed into several variations, with Iudith emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Iudith might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In swedish and finnish, Iudith may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Iudith commonly used?
Iudith spans multiple cultures, including swedish, finnish, latin, and 1 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Iudith found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Iudith, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Iudith into their naming traditions. A child named Iudith will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Iudith is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Iudith?
Iudith carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "It is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew “Yehûdı̂yth > Y’hudít,” meaning “he will be praised” or “woman of Judea.” Judith appeared in the Old Testament as the wife of Esau and in the Apocryphal Book of Judith. The name did not become common until after the Protestant Reformation. The English language’s name was among the top 50 most popular given names for girls born in the United States between 1936 and 1956. Its popularity has since declined. It was the 893rd most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2012, down from 74th place in 1960. Saint Judith of Prussia (Jutta) was born ca. 1200 at Sangerhausen in Thuringia (now Sachsen-Anhalt) and died in 1260 at Kulmsee in the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order (now Chełmża, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). She was a German aristocrat who became a hermit on Prussia’s frontier and is honored as the patron saint of that region." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Iudith originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Iudith sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Iudith often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In swedish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.