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Jodi
Jodi Pronunciation
Jodi is pronounced JOH-dee /ˈdʒoʊ.di/High
Meaning: Pet form of Judith, from Hebrew Yehudit, 'woman of Judea; Jewish woman', often glossed 'praised'High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Jodi is one of several spellings — with Jody and Jodie — of a pet form of Judith, the biblical heroine whose Hebrew name Yehudit means 'woman of Judea', from the tribal name often interpreted as 'praised'. Some Jodys trace instead to Joseph or Joan, making it a genuinely flexible nickname.
The name rocketed through midcentury America as part of the -i nickname wave (Jodi, Lori, Vicki, Terri) and appeared on both daughters and, in the Jody spelling, sons. Today Jodi reads as a warm Gen-X classic, rare on new birth certificates.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Jodi Benson (1961–present)American actress and singer, the voice of Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid.
- ★Jodi Picoult (1966–present)Best-selling American novelist known for My Sister's Keeper and Small Great Things.
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Frequently Asked
How do you pronounce Jodi?
Jodi is pronounced JOH-dee (/ˈdʒoʊ.di/). Press play above to hear Jodi said aloud.
How do you say Jodi?
Jodi is said JOH-dee (/ˈdʒoʊ.di/). Press play above to hear Jodi said aloud.
What does the name Jodi mean?
Jodi began as a pet form of Judith, from Hebrew Yehudit, 'woman of Judea', traditionally glossed as 'praised'.
Is Jodi a boy or girl name?
Jodi is a girl's spelling; the variant Jody has historically been used for boys as well.
How popular is Jodi?
Jodi is rare for newborns today after being a familiar favorite in midcentury America.