Meaning, origin, history
Jody is a gender-neutral given name of English origin. It was first introduced as a pet form of the feminine name Josephine in the early 20th century. The name Josephine itself comes from the Latin "Josephina," which means "God will increase" or "God shall add." Therefore, Jody can be considered a diminutive form of Josephine with the same meaning.
In literature, the name Jody gained popularity after it was used as the protagonist's name in the 1930s novel "Jody" by Mabel Robinson. The book became popular among young readers and helped to popularize the name.
The name Jody has also been used interchangeably with the name Judy, which is a diminutive form of Judith. Both names share similar meanings related to praise or fame.
Overall, Jody is a unique and versatile name that can be given to both boys and girls. Its origin and meaning make it a appealing choice for parents looking for a name with a strong connection to its roots.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jody since 1880
Total births
31,467
Total since 1880
Peak year
1971
1,704 births
in 2023
50
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-7%
↘
vs previous 5 years