What does Jude mean?
A form of Judah, from the Hebrew, “praised.” Saint Jude is patron of hopeless causes.
What does Malachi mean?
From the Hebrew Malʾakhi, “my messenger.” Malachi is the last of the Hebrew prophets.
Jude vs Malachi
Which is more popular?
Malachi is more popular than Jude today: about 2,692 US babies were given the name Malachi in 2025, compared with 2,384 named Jude.
| Jude | Malachi | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Praised | My messenger |
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | JOOD | MAL-uh-ky |
| Syllables | 1 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1912 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2015 (2,668) | 2006 (2,776) |
| In 2025 | 2,384 | 2,692 |
| Trend | Steady | Steady |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Jude
Malachi
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Jude | Malachi |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 14,212 | 14,631 |
| 2010s | 25,132 | 24,588 |
| 2000s | 9,351 | 20,780 |
| 1990s | 1,112 | 3,525 |
| 1980s | 868 | 746 |
| 1970s | 1,207 | 390 |
| 1960s | 945 | 108 |
| 1950s | 597 | 155 |
| 1940s | 293 | 183 |
| 1930s | 197 | 172 |
| 1920s | 41 | 185 |
| 1910s | 27 | 156 |
| 1900s | 0 | 51 |
| 1890s | 0 | 30 |
| 1880s | 0 | 58 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Jude or Malachi more popular?
Malachi is more popular than Jude today: about 2,692 US babies were given the name Malachi in 2025, compared with 2,384 named Jude.
What is the difference between Jude and Malachi?
Jude means Praised (Hebrew origin), while Malachi means My messenger (Hebrew origin).
Which name is older, Jude or Malachi?
In US records, Jude first appears in 1912 and Malachi in 1880, so Malachi has the longer recorded history.