Find out how popular the first name Judea has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Judea by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Judea is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 76% of people named Judea being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 24 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Judea.

The history of the first name Judea

The name Judea has its origins in the ancient Judahite kingdom, a region located in the central part of the ancient Levant. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "Yehudah," which means "praised" or "thanksgiving." It is believed to have been in use as early as the 8th century BCE.

In the Hebrew Bible, Judea is mentioned as the territory occupied by the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name is closely associated with the biblical figure of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. According to the book of Genesis, Judah played a pivotal role in the story of Joseph and his brothers.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Judea was Judea Hasmodeus, a Jewish priest and leader of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The Maccabean Revolt resulted in the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom, the Hasmonean Dynasty, which ruled over Judea until 63 BCE.

In the 1st century CE, Judea was a Roman province that encompassed parts of modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan. During this time, the name Judea was associated with several notable figures, including Judea Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who betrayed him according to the New Testament.

Another prominent figure with the name Judea was Judea ben Tabbai, a Jewish sage and leader of the Sanhedrin (the highest court of Jewish law) in the 1st century CE. He is remembered for his wisdom and teachings on ethics and morality.

In the Middle Ages, the name Judea was used by several Jewish scholars and rabbis, such as Judea Halevi, a renowned Spanish Jewish philosopher and poet who lived in the 12th century CE. His works, including the philosophical treatise "The Kuzari," had a significant impact on Jewish thought and literature.

Judea Abravanel, a prominent Jewish scholar and statesman from Portugal, who lived in the 15th century CE, also bore this name. He was known for his contributions to Jewish philosophy and his role in negotiating the safe passage of Jews expelled from Spain during the Inquisition.

Throughout history, the name Judea has been carried by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, reflecting its deep roots in the ancient world and its enduring significance in religious and historical contexts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Judea was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Judea, please contact us.

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