The given name Jodee has its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically derived from the Old High German name Jodocus, which itself is a variant of the Latin name Judocus. The name Judocus is believed to have been derived from the Hebrew name Judah, meaning "praised" or "celebrated."

In the Middle Ages, the name Jodocus gained popularity across Europe, particularly in areas where Germanic languages were spoken. It was often associated with saints and religious figures, such as St. Jodocus, a Breton prince who lived in the 7th century and is venerated as a patron saint in parts of France and Belgium.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jodee can be traced back to the 13th century, where it was used as a diminutive form of Jodocus. Over time, the spelling evolved, with variations like Jodey, Jodi, and Jodee emerging in different regions.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jodee or its variants. Among them:

1. Jodee Berry (born 1976), an Australian professional golfer known for her achievements on the Ladies European Tour.
2. Jodee Newnham (born 1974), a former professional tennis player from Australia who reached a career-high ranking of No. 26 in the world.
3. Jodi Benson (born 1961), an American actress and voice artist best known for providing the voice of Ariel in the Disney animated film "The Little Mermaid."
4. Jodi Picoult (born 1966), an American writer renowned for her numerous novels, including "My Sister's Keeper" and "The Pact."
5. Jodee Mundy (born 1971), an American singer-songwriter and actress who has appeared in various films and television shows.

While the name Jodee may have fallen out of widespread use in recent times, its rich history and connections to both religious and cultural traditions make it a name with a fascinating story to tell.