Yehudi

Yehudi is the Hebrew endonym for a Jew and serves as a masculine given name in Hebrew and biblical contexts. It is the Hebrew form of Jehudi, meaning "Jew" — a term that originally referred to a member of the tribe of Judah.

Etymology

Both Yehudi and Jehudi derive from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament (Genesis 29:35). The root of Judah is the Hebrew verb yaḏa, meaning "praise." In the Book of Jeremiah (36:23), Jehudi appears as a servant of King Jehoiakim, representing one of the early bearers of the name. Over time, Yehudi became a general designation for the Jewish people.

Notable Bearers

The most famous bearer of the name is Yehudi Menuhin (1916–1999), a world-renowned violinist and conductor. His surname became cultural shorthand: the catchphrase "Who's Yehoodi?" referenced him after popular comedian Bob Hope confused Menuhin's name with that of a British naval mascot. Another notable figure is Yehudi Wyner (born 1929), an acclaimed composer and pianist. Outside the Jewish community, Jehudi Ashmun (1794–1828) was an American religious leader and social reformer who played a role in the colonization of Liberia.

Related Names and Feminine Forms

The feminine counterpart is Yehudit (Biblical Hebrew), also related to Yehudiya. These names parallel the broader biblical and modern usage patterns of Judah-derived names.

• Meaning: "Jew" or member of the tribe of Judah
• Origin: Hebrew (יְהוּדִי)
• Type: Given name
• Regions used: Israel, Jewish diaspora worldwide; biblical context resonates across Jewish culture