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Home › Baby Names Directory › Jody

Jody

♀ Girl

Pronounced JOH-dee /ˈdʒoʊ.di/High

Meaning: A pet form, variously of Judith ('praised; a woman of Judea') and Joseph/Joan ('God will add; God is gracious'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Praised; God will add: Jody pets Judith/Joseph. Friendly, vintage, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls).
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Origin LowHebrew
MeaningA pet form, variously of Judith ('praised; a woman of Judea') and Joseph/Joan ('God will add; God is gracious'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#6476 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births18 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1958
Total births (all-time)≈ 55,829

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195819192024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Jody is a pet form — variously of Judith, Hebrew 'praised; a woman of Judea', and Joseph/Joan, 'God will add; God is gracious' (routes layered, which we note). A friendly, vintage name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; nickname Jo).

In the U.S. it peaked in the mid-20th century. Rare today, praised-or-God-will-add at the (layered) root, and vintage.

Did you know? Judith means 'praised; a woman of Judea' and Joseph 'God will add' (Hebrew) — Jody pets both, a friendly, vintage name, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered; said 'JOH-dee').
Overall data confidence 48%
References — Jody — routes layered

Variations

JodieJodiJudith

Nicknames

Jo

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jody…

Jodie— a fellow spelling
Jodi— a fellow spelling
Jolene— a sound-neighbor Jo- girls' name
Jenny— another vintage -y girls' name

Explore names like Jody

By themeuncertainhebrewunisexnickname-name
By meaningGod / DivineGrace

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jody mean?

Jody pets Judith ('praised') and Joseph ('God will add'); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Jody?

It's said JOH-dee /ˈdʒoʊ.di/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Jody a boy or girl name?

Jody is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Jody?

Jody is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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