Judah: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised".It derives from the Hebrew word "Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh".
Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Judah, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Judah
Quick facts about Judah
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy 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
This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh
How to Pronounce Judah
Judah is pronounced /ˈdʒuːdə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Jud-ah
Say it like: "DZHOODOOH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Judah is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
english
Frequently Asked Questions About Judah
What does the name Judah mean?
Judah means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David.". The name comes from Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh. In its original form, the name derives from Yəhūḏāh / Yehûdâh (יְהוּדָה). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Judah for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Judah's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Judah?
Judah is a hebrew name. The name traces back to Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh. The original form Yəhūḏāh / Yehûdâh (יְהוּדָה) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Judah a boy or girl name?
Judah is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Judah has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Judah?
Judah is pronounced "/ˈdʒuːdə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Judah is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Judah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh influences how Judah sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Judah?
Judah is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Judah offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Judah's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Judah holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Judah commonly used?
Judah is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Judah found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised.” Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is infamously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. Judah Maccabee was a Kohen and a son of the Jewish priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167–160 BCE) and is acclaimed as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon, and David." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Judah into their naming traditions. A child named Judah 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, Judah is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.