Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Judy

Judy

♀ Girl

Pronounced JOO-dee /ˈdΝ‘Κ’u.di/Medium

Meaning: Woman of Judea (diminutive of Judith)Medium

In 30 seconds: Judy is an English name meaning 'woman of Judea', a familiar short form of Judith with Hebrew roots.
πŸ’• Browse more names
Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningWoman of Judea (diminutive of Judith)
U.S. rank (2025)#1874 β†˜ Falling
2025 U.S. births105 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 382,976

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 194718802025

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

Judy grew up as a diminutive of Judith, a Hebrew name understood as 'woman of Judea'. Once a pet form, it became established as a given name in its own right in English-speaking countries. Its meaning ties it back to the older Judith, while its sound is lighter and more casual.

The actress and singer Judy Garland, best known as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, did much to fix the name in the public ear. Related forms run from Jude and Judi to the full Judith.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Judy is 'origin uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Judy β€” etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration β€” 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

JudeJudiJudieJehudijahJudith

Nicknames

β€”

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Judy Garland (1922-1969)
    American actress and singer best known for playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She was one of the most celebrated entertainers of the 20th century.

If you like Judy…

Judithβ€” The full Hebrew name that Judy is a short form of
Judeβ€” A clipped form sharing Judy's Judith root
Wendyβ€” shares the -dy ending
Cindyβ€” a similarly popular pick
Heidyβ€” a fellow English choice

Explore names like Judy

By themeenglish

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Judy mean?

Judy is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with English tradition.

How do you pronounce Judy?

It's commonly said JOO-dee /ˈdΝ‘Κ’u.di/.

Is Judy a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Judy is used as a girl name.

How popular is Judy?

In 2024, Judy ranked #1653 in the U.S. for girls, with 124 births recorded.

πŸ’¬ Ask Nia