Find out how popular the first name Judy has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Judy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Judy is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Judy being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 127 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Judy.

The history of the first name Judy

The name Judy is a diminutive form of the name Judith, which has its origins in the Hebrew language. Judith is derived from the Hebrew name "Yehudit," which means "woman from Judea" or "Jewish woman." The name Judith first appears in the Old Testament book of the same name, which tells the story of a beautiful Jewish widow who saves her people by decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes.

The earliest recorded use of the name Judy dates back to the 16th century in England. It was a common diminutive of Judith during this time period and grew in popularity as a stand-alone name in the following centuries. One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Judy was Judy Garland, an American actress and singer born in 1922, best known for her role as Dorothy Gale in the classic film "The Wizard of Oz."

Another famous Judy was Judy Holliday, an American actress and comedian born in 1921, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1950 film "Born Yesterday." Judy Blume, born in 1938, is a renowned American author of children's and young adult literature, known for her groundbreaking and honest depictions of adolescent experiences.

Judy Greer, born in 1975, is an American actress and director who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Arrested Development," "13 Going on 30," and "Ant-Man." Judy Chicago, born in 1939, is an American feminist artist, educator, and writer, best known for her iconic installation "The Dinner Party," which celebrates women's achievements throughout history.

Throughout its history, the name Judy has maintained a warm and friendly connotation, often associated with a down-to-earth and approachable personality. It has been popular across various cultures and regions, transcending its Hebrew origins and becoming a beloved name in many parts of the world.

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 Judy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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