Yehuda
yuh-HOO-duh
Yehuda is the Hebrew form of Judah, from Yehudah meaning “praise” or “thanksgiving.” It preserves the original Hebrew pronunciation more faithfully than the anglicised Judah.
In Genesis, Yehudah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Judah became the most prominent of the twelve, giving its name to the kingdom of Judea and, ultimately, to Judaism itself.
Yehuda stands at its all-time SSA peak: No. 733 in 2024 with 356 births. This signals continued growth within Orthodox Jewish communities in the US.
What the name Yehuda means
Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi compiled the Mishnah around 200 CE. Modern bearer Yehuda Amichai was Israel’s most celebrated poet, known for his lyrical Hebrew verse.
Three syllables—yeh-HOO-dah—have a devotional cadence. The aspirated middle syllable and open ending give it a distinctly liturgical sound.
Among Orthodox and Hasidic families, Yehuda is a cornerstone name. Its SSA presence reflects the growing visibility of these communities in American naming data.
The name’s connection to praise makes it inherently optimistic. Parents choosing Yehuda honour both scripture and the Hebrew language itself.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Yehuda
Yehuda - similar names
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