Judy

Judy is a diminutive of Judith, derived from Hebrew Yehudit meaning 'woman of Judea' or 'praised.' It entered English via the biblical figure Judith and became a popular standalone name in the mid-20th century, carrying a cheerful, no-nonsense energy.

Judy is the kind of name that belongs to someone utterly reliable and secretly full of surprises. It's friendly, familiar, and has just enough vintage charm to feel intentional rather than random. The Punch and Judy puppet tradition gives it a slightly theatrical edge — Judy is always the clever one, outwitting everyone around her — which makes it perfect for a clever, headstrong female dog or a cat with strong opinions. It also ages beautifully: a tiny puppy named Judy will grow into a dignified elder and the name will still suit her perfectly.