Judy

Judy is the familiar form of Judith, a Hebrew name meaning a woman of Judea or a Jewish woman. Its meaning concerns belonging and identity rather than being a direct translation of praise. The short form has a substantial history as an independent first name as well as a nickname.

Performer Judy Garland gives the name an enduring musical and film association. Judi and Judie are related spellings, while Judy is the familiar y-ending form. For a family honoring a Judith, it preserves the connection in a more casual shape; for someone remembering a relative named Judy in her own right, the short name already holds the full family story.