Jude

Traditionally “praised” in masculine use; also a short form of Judith, “Jewish woman”

Jude is an English name with Hebrew roots. In masculine use, it is related to Judah and Judas and is traditionally understood as “praised”. It is also used as a feminine short form of Judith, whose meaning is “Jewish woman”. Those two routes give the same spelling different explanations. The name has a biblical background, while the Beatles’ “Hey Jude”, released in 1968, adds a musical association. That combination can give Jude a classic feel with a less formal edge. In English, Jude has one syllable and rhymes with food; the final e is silent. The long vowel gives the name fullness, and the final d brings it to a firm stop. It feels compact rather than clipped: a small amount of lettering with enough sound to hold its own beside a longer surname.

Etymology: The masculine English Jude is a form of Judas and belongs to the Hebrew Yehuda name family, traditionally associated with praise. Feminine Jude is a short form of Judith, from Hebrew Yehudit, meaning “Jewish woman”.