Judson is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French name Jude, which itself comes from the Latin name Judah. Judah was the fourth son of Jacob in the Bible and was the ancestor of the tribe of Judah.
The meaning of Judson is believed to be "praised" or "praise". This interpretation comes from the Hebrew word "yadah", which means to praise or to cast forth. In some variations, Judson may also have the meaning of "praiseworthy".
There is not a great deal of historical information about individuals named Judson, likely due to its relative rarity throughout history. However, there are a few notable figures who bear this name.
One of the most famous Judsons was American poet Judson Crews, born in 1874. He was known for his works such as "The Ballad of the Sad Heart" and "In the Shadows".
Another notable figure is Judson Harmon, an American politician and lawyer who served as Governor of Ohio from 1890 to 1892.
Despite its rarity, Judson has been used consistently throughout history. It was not particularly popular in any specific period but has maintained a steady presence nonetheless. Today, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for those looking for something different.
"Over the span of nearly a century and a half (1880-2023), Judson's birth popularity exhibited significant fluctuations. The name peaked between 1969 to 2023, with over 250 births annually in recent years, compared to fewer than 100 births annually during the early decades recorded. The total number of births with the name Judson over this period is 13,387."