Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jude

The name Jude is a shortened version of the Hebrew name Yhuda (Judah) which means ‘praised.’ Judah was borne by the fourth son of Jacob in the Bible (Genesis 29:35) who gave his name to one of the twelve tribes of Israel and one of its two kingdoms (and from which the word Jew arose). In the New Testament, Saint Jude was one of the twelve apostles to Jesus and sometimes identified as the brother of Jesus himself. His name is carefully distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the “bad’ disciple who would eventually betray the son of God. In the Roman Catholic tradition Saint Jude is the patron saint of desperate circumstances and lost causes. As a male given name, Jude was not widely adopted by English speaking nations until quite recently.

All About the Baby Name – Jude

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JUDE

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JUDE

The name Jude first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in the year 1954. It sort of flopped around the charts for a few years before getting a big push in usage between 1968 and 1969 after the Beatles released their single “Hey Jude” in August of 1968. The song was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s son Julian as a gesture of kindness and goodwill following the break-up of his parent’s marriage (Lennon left Julian’s mother to be with Yoko Ono). The song was originally titled “Hey Jules” but McCartney changed the title and lyrics since Jude was easier to sing. The song was immensely popular in the United States during the latter part of 1968 but endures today as one of the best rock classics of all time. This shining moment for the name Jude on the popularity charts was brief, however. The name eventually went back into obscurity until the turn of this century when it finally reemerged in 1999 (clearly influenced by the growing popularity of the British actor and heartthrob Jude Law). In the past decade, Jude advanced over 800 positions on the charts and is currently a Top 200 favorite. Although the name has never reached a Top 100 position on the charts, we have one thing to say to that: “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad / Take a sad song and make it better.” Don’t be afraid, Jude. The name keeps getting better and better.

Quick Facts

ON JUDE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

162

PRONUNCIATION:

JEWD

SIMPLE MEANING:

Praised

Characteristics

OF JUDE

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jude

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JUDE

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JUDE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jude


Popular Songs

ON JUDE

Hey Jude
a song by the Beatles written for Julian Lennon

Famous People

NAMED JUDE

Jude Law (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JUDE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Jude

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JUDE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Jude