Judy (surname)

Judy is a surname with multiple possible origins. It is generally considered to be of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Judy," a pet form of the name Judith. Judith is a Hebrew name meaning "Jewess" or "woman of Judea."

As a patronymic surname, Judy would have originally indicated "son/descendant of Judy/Judith." Over time, the diminutive form Judy became established as a surname in its own right.

Another potential origin, though less common, is a corruption or variant of other similar-sounding surnames.

Distribution of the Judy surname varies geographically, but it can be found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Its prevalence may fluctuate based on historical migration patterns and family lineages.

Individuals with the surname Judy may have diverse ancestries and cultural backgrounds. Genealogical research is often necessary to determine the specific origin of a particular Judy family line.