Jude: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Jude mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Praised, thanks
Latin: Praised; youthful
Greek: Downy-haired

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Jude is pronounced jood

The name Jude has origins in multiple cultures, including Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. In Hebrew, Jude means "praise." In Latin, it signifies "youthful", while in Greek, it refers to "downy-haired." The name has a rich historical background and is recognized in various parts of the world for its timeless appeal.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Jude mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Praised, thanks
Latin: Praised; youthful
Greek: Downy-haired

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Jude is pronounced jood

The name Jude has origins in both Hebrew and Latin. In Hebrew, it means "praised" or "thanks," reflecting a sense of gratitude and reverence. In Latin, it also translates to "praised." The name is often associated with the Apostle Jude, one of the Twelve Apostles in the New Testament. It has a strong, classic feel and has remained a popular choice for boys over the years.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English, French, and German: from the vernacular form of the Hebrew personal name Yehuda "Judah" (of unknown meaning). In the Bible, this is the name of Jacob’s eldest son. It was not a popular name among Christians in medieval Europe, because of the associations it had with Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Among Jews, however, the Hebrew name and its reflexes in various Jewish languages (such as Yiddish Yude) have been popular for generations, and have given rise to many Jewish surnames.

French: name for a Jew, Old French jude (Latin Iudaeus, Greek Ioudaios, from Hebrew Yehudi "member of the tribe of Judah").

English: from a pet form of Jordan.

Famous people with this first name

Jude Law

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Kelsey Grammer

Jude in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Jude St. Francis from A Little Life - A central character in the novel, grappling with a traumatic past and a complex present.
Jude Fawley from Jude the Obscure - The protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel, who dreams of becoming a scholar but faces many obstacles.
Jude Duarte from The Cruel Prince - A mortal girl in a faerie world, known for her ambition and determination to succeed.
Jude Lizowski from 6teen - A laid-back skateboarder and one of the main characters in the animated television series.
Jude Harrison from Instant Star - A teenage singer-songwriter who wins a music contest and navigates the challenges of fame.

Popularity of the Name Jude

According to Social Security Administration data, Jude has seen a steady rise in popularity in recent years, climbing up the ranks and becoming a favored choice among parents.

Historically, Jude has been associated with a variety of significant figures. Saint Jude, one of the original twelve apostles, is a well-known historical bearer of the name, often invoked as the patron saint of lost causes. In the realm of entertainment, Jude Law, an acclaimed British actor, has brought the name prominence through his performances in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley and Sherlock Holmes. The name Jude also appears in popular culture, famously featured in the Beatles' iconic song "Hey Jude." Fictional characters named Jude appear in works such as the novel Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy, and the character Jude St. Francis in the novel A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. These various associations have helped maintain Jude's appealing and timeless quality.