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Judd
♂ Boy
Pronounced JUD /dʒʌd/Low
Meaning: Praised, celebrated, praised oneLow
In 30 seconds: Judd is a medieval diminutive of Jordan (from the Hebrew Yarden) or Judah (praised). A clean one-syllable name with ancient roots and a modern approachable quality.
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MeaningPraised, celebrated, praised one
U.S. rank (2025)#1704 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births96 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1970
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,746
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Judd is a medieval English diminutive of Jordan (from Hebrew Yarden, to flow down) or Judah (Hebrew for praised). It has been used as a standalone given name since the Middle Ages.
Judd has a clean vintage quality in the United States, associated with sculptor Donald Judd and TV personality Judd Apatow.
Did you know? Judah, from whom the name Judd ultimately derives, was one of Jacob's twelve sons and the ancestor of King David and Jesus. His name meaning praised was chosen by his mother Leah as an expression of thankfulness to God (Genesis 29:35).
Overall data confidence 90%
Variations
JordanJudahJud
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Judd Apatow (1967–present)American director, producer and screenwriter behind The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Freaks and Geeks
- ★Judd Nelson (1959–present)American actor and member of the Brat Pack, known for The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire
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Frequently Asked
What does Judd mean?
Praised, celebrated, praised one
How do you pronounce Judd?
Judd is pronounced JUD.
What is the origin of Judd?
Judd comes from Hebrew, English.
What names are similar to Judd?
Similar names include jude, colt, beau.