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Jodie Unisex

Popularity: #912 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJOH-dee / /ˈdʒoʊdi/

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: God is gracious; Hebrew: He will be praised

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jodie is derived from the Hebrew name Yehudit, which means "Jewess" or "from Judea." The transition from Yehudit to Jodie occurred through several linguistic transformations. The name was first adapted into the Greek form Ioudith, which was then Latinized as Judith. The name Judith appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judith, a deuterocanonical text that recounts the story of a Jewish widow who saves her people. This biblical association contributed to the name's prominence in various cultures throughout history.

In the Middle Ages, Judith became a popular name in Christian Europe, particularly due to its biblical roots. The name was often borne by saints, including Saint Judith, who is recognized in some Christian traditions. The name Judith was carried into Old French as Judit, which eventually evolved into the diminutive form Jodie in English-speaking contexts. Jodie emerged as a feminine variant in the 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of creating diminutive or affectionate forms of traditional names.

Culturally, Jodie has been associated with strength and resilience, echoing the qualities of its biblical namesake. The character of Judith in the biblical narrative is often celebrated for her bravery and cunning, which has contributed to the name's enduring appeal. The name Jodie, while relatively modern, carries with it the weight of its historical and cultural significance, connecting contemporary bearers to a rich tapestry of heritage that spans centuries.

Trend Summary

Jodie experienced a peak in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jody
  • Jodie

International Variants

  • Jodie (English)
  • Jodi (English)

Famous people named Jodie

Jodie Foster is an actress and director best known for The Silence of the Lambs, Taxi Driver, and Contact.

Jodie Whittaker is an actress best known for Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and Venus.

Fictional characters named Jodie

Jodie is a fictional character from the video game series Dead by Daylight. She is a survivor known for her resourcefulness and determination in escaping the killer's grasp.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jodie was first seen in the United States in 1882. Jodie has ranked as high as #479 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in California, New York, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Jodie has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jodie (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18828
18835
18849
18867
18878
188810
18895
189010
18915
18929
18936
18947
18958
189613
189710
18988
189912
190010
19016
19026
190311
19047
190512
19065
190711
19088
19099
191012
191118
191212
191318
191423
191516
191621
191710
191822
191922
192015
192113
192213
192313
192417
192514
192613
192714
192816
192915
193015
193112
193221
193310
193419
193513
193619
193717
193811
193922
194018
194131
194225
194325
194431
194525
194642
194765
194861
194951
195087
1951103
1952122
1953171
1954188
1955247
1956308
1957485
1958506
1959494
1960501
1961553
1962587
1963684
1964657
1965669
1966696
1967855
1968859
1969936
19701,052
19711,039
1972935
1973850
19741,028
1975892
1976838
1977845
1978829
1979702
1980618
1981580
1982580
1983569
1984471
1985352
1986324
1987273
1988210
1989280
1990224
1991232
1992243
1993215
1994189
1995203
1996179
1997143
1998114
1999134
2000107
2001110
2002111
200394
200480
200595
200693
200784
200838
200954
201049
201149
201242
201339
201447
201531
201648
201727
201843
201941
202035
202135
202243
202336
202438