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 has had an interesting journey in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. Between 1880 and 1900, there were fewer than 15 births per year with the name Judy, with the exception of a peak at 18 births in 1902.
However, the early 20th century saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name. In 1935, there were 1474 babies named Judy, and this number continued to rise throughout the following decades. The highest point was reached in 1947 with 21036 births.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. By 1960, the number of babies named Judy had fallen to 8860, and it continued to decrease throughout the rest of the century. In the year 2000, there were only 157 births with the name Judy.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Judy has remained relatively steady in recent years. Between 2005 and 2023, the number of babies named Judy has fluctuated between a low of 94 (in 2011) and a high of 167 (in 2004).
Overall, while the name Judy may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be chosen for babies born in the United States. As of 2023, the total number of births with the name Judy since 1880 is estimated to be over 380,000.