Judy is a name of American origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. It is often considered to be a diminutive form of the name Judith, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yehudit, meaning "praise" or "celebration." However, some sources suggest that Judy may also be short for other names such as Julia, Jacqueline, or even Judy Garland, the famous American actress and singer.
The name Judy gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It was particularly popular among girls born between the 1930s and the 1960s, although it has continued to be used since then as well. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the name Judy ranked among the top 1,000 names for girls in every year from 1924 to 1973.
Interestingly, the name Judy has also been associated with various cultural references throughout history. For example, the character of Judy Hopps is a protagonist in the popular animated film "Zootopia" (also known as "Zootropolis" outside North America), while the name was also used for characters in books such as "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White and "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Overall, the name Judy is one of many diminutive forms that have become popular throughout history. Its origins can be traced back to the Hebrew name Yehudit, although its meaning remains somewhat flexible depending on whether it is considered a diminutive of Judith or not. Despite its origins, however, the name Judy has come to be associated with American culture and has been widely used for girls throughout much of the 20th century.
The name Judy experienced significant popularity fluctuations throughout the years, with a notable spike during World War II. From 5 births per year in the late 19th century, it peaked at 1474 births in 1936 and reached an all-time high of 17383 births in 1943. Post-war, its popularity declined rapidly, with fewer than 200 births per year recorded since 2000. As of 2022, there were 127 births.