Jud is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "praise" or "thanksgiving". It is often found in the Bible as a shortened form of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Jud has been used throughout history, with notable bearers including Judd Nelson, an American actor known for his role in the film "The Breakfast Club", and Judd Apatow, a prominent film director and producer. Today, Jud remains a unique and distinctive name choice, often favored by those seeking a name that is both meaningful and uncommon.
The name Jud appeared inconsistently over the years, with peaks in popularity during certain decades and a notable decline in recent times. The highest number of births recorded was 17, occurring twice (in 1961 and 1970), while there were several years with only 5 births or fewer. Since 2004, the name has been chosen infrequently, with only two occurrences of more than five births each decade. Overall, it seems that the name Jud is no longer as popular as it once was.