Judith

Judith comes from a Hebrew name meaning a Jewish woman or a woman of Judea. It is the name of more than one figure in biblical literature. The heroine of the Book of Judith should not be confused with Judith, a wife of Esau mentioned in Genesis; they are separate figures in separate accounts.

Judy and Judi are familiar shortenings, while Jude is another possible everyday form. Actress Judi Dench was born Judith, providing a recognizable example of the nickname relationship. Families who know the name mainly through a Judy may appreciate the fuller form’s scriptural history and its clear two-syllable shape without needing to use a nickname.