Jude

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOOD /dʒuːd/High

Meaning: Praised, he will be praised — Latin form of Judah, from Hebrew Yehudah (praise, praised)High

In 30 seconds: A crisp Latin form of the Hebrew Judah meaning 'praised,' Jude carries the gravitas of an apostle, a patron saint of lost causes, and a Beatles classic.

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Origin HighHebrew, Latin

MeaningPraised, he will be praised — Latin form of Judah, from Hebrew Yehudah (praise, praised)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 34,657

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jude is the Latin and English form of Judas (or Judah), from Hebrew Yehudah, meaning 'praised' or 'let him be praised.' The name was common in the ancient world; one of the twelve apostles was Jude (Thaddaeus), distinct from Judas Iscariot. Saint Jude became the patron saint of lost causes, a role that gave his name deep significance in Catholic tradition.

Despite its ancient roots, Jude was relatively uncommon in the 20th century United States, partly due to the shadow of Judas Iscariot. The Beatles' 'Hey Jude' (1968) gave it positive cultural resonance. Thomas Hardy's novel Jude the Obscure (1895) is another literary touchstone. Actor Jude Law helped the name's modern revival, and Jude entered the U.S. top 200 boys' names in the 2000s.

Did you know? 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles (1968) was written by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon's son Julian during his parents' divorce — 'Jude' being a pet form of 'Julian.' It became one of the best-selling singles in history.

Variations

JudasJudah

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Saint Jude (Thaddaeus) (1st century AD)
One of the twelve apostles, patron saint of lost causes.
★Jude Law (b. 1972)
British actor known for roles in The Talented Mr. Ripley and Sherlock Holmes.

If you like Jude…

Judah— the fuller Hebrew form of the same root with the same biblical weight

Levi— another short, punchy biblical boys' name with Hebrew roots

Silas— short biblical name with the same quiet gravitas

Ezra— two-syllable Hebrew classic with the same understated strength

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jude mean?

Jude is the Latin form of Judah, from Hebrew Yehudah, meaning 'praised' or 'let him be praised.'

How do you pronounce Jude?

Jude is pronounced JOOD /dʒuːd/ — one syllable.

Is Jude a boy or girl name?

Jude is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Jude?

Jude entered the U.S. top 200 boys' names in the 2000s and has continued to climb, favoured for its biblical depth and minimalist cool.