Yehudah

Boy Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/jəˈhuːdə/

Yehudah: 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".

The name Yehudah carries a rich history rooted in Hebrew culture. Derived from "Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Hebrew “Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh,” meaning “praised. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Hebrew-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Yehudah

Quick facts about Yehudah
OriginHebrew
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately 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

Other Scripts

Hebrew (יְהוּדָה)

How to Pronounce Yehudah

Yehudah is pronounced /jəˈhuːdə/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Yeh-ud-ah
  2. Say it like: "YOOHHOODOOH"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Yehudah is predominantly used in hebrew speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

hebrew
Frequently Asked Questions About Yehudah
What does the name Yehudah mean?
Yehudah 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 Yehudah 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, Yehudah's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Yehudah?
Yehudah 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. In its native script, Yehudah is written as Hebrew (יְהוּדָה). The name remains closely tied to hebrew 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 Yehudah a boy or girl name?
Yehudah 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, Yehudah 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 Yehudah?
Yehudah is pronounced "/jəˈhuːdə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (יְהוּדָה), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Yehudah is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Yehudah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Yəhūḏāh / yehûdâh influences how Yehudah sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Yehudah?
Yehudah is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Yehudah offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Yehudah'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, Yehudah holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Yehudah commonly used?
Yehudah is used primarily in hebrew naming traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. 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 Yehudah into their naming traditions. A child named Yehudah 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, Yehudah 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.

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