What Does the Name Judah Mean?
Judah means "praised" or "thanksgiving," from the Hebrew root y-d-h, "to thank" or "to praise."
The Origin & History of Judah
In the Hebrew Bible, Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and the founder of the Tribe of Judah, which in turn gave its name to the Kingdom of Judah, the region of Judea, and ultimately the word "Jew." The name has been used continuously in Jewish naming traditions for millennia.
Cultural Reach
Judah has moved well beyond religious naming in recent years, joining a wider American trend toward Old Testament names for boys such as Levi, Asher, and Elijah, and gaining visibility through public figures and entertainment.
Famous People Named Judah
Notable bearers include Zab Judah, the American professional boxer and world welterweight champion, and Judah Friedlander, the American actor and comedian known for 30 Rock.
Nicknames & Variations
Judah does not have widely used English nicknames, though it shares its root with Jude and Judas. Related forms include the Hebrew Yehuda and the shortened Jude.
Is Judah a Good Name in 2026?
Judah's strong biblical meaning and rising popularity alongside similar Old Testament names make it a distinctive but increasingly familiar choice for 2026.