Meaning & Origin
A diminutive of the female given name Judith, also used as a formal female given name.
Judy is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a diminutive of Judith, from the Hebrew Yehudit, meaning "woman of Judea" or "praised." Judy began as an informal form of Judith before establishing itself as an independent given name in the 20th century.
Judy Garland — Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, whose voice defined a generation's childhood — made the name synonymous with both extraordinary talent and enduring vulnerability. Judy Dench (Dame Judi Dench's actual name is Judith) adds theatrical gravitas. A name with deep warmth and a golden-era Hollywood shimmer.