Judah is a Hebrew male given name that has been used throughout history and across various cultures. The name originates from the Hebrew language and it means "praised" or "praise". It is derived from the Hebrew word "judah", which also refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Bible.
The name Judah was borne by several notable figures throughout history, including King Herod the Great, who ruled Judea in the 1st century BCE. Another famous bearer of this name was Judah Maccabeus, a Jewish rebel leader who led a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE and is celebrated during the holiday of Hanukkah.
In modern times, Judah has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has also gained popularity in other cultures, such as among Jewish communities around the world.
Overall, Judah is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. Its Hebrew origins give it a deep rootedness in ancient tradition, while its modern usage keeps it relevant and appealing today.
The name Judah has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were only a handful of births each year with the name Judah - ranging from just five in 1988 to nine in 1996.
However, starting around the year 2000, there was a noticeable spike in the number of babies named Judah. In fact, between 2000 and 2023, there were over 700 births registered with the name Judah each year in the United States.
The peak popularity of the name Judah occurred in recent years, with 51 births recorded in 2020 and 50 in 2022. While it may seem like a relatively small number compared to more common names, this represents a significant increase from the single-digit numbers seen in previous decades.
In total, since 1988, there have been 771 babies named Judah born in the United States. This steady growth in popularity indicates that the name Judah has become an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful moniker for their children.