Meaning: Its source is Joseph, an English name meaning "The Lord's addition (to the family)."

Alternative Spellings: Jodey, Jodi and Jodie

Popularity: The name Jody ranked 432nd in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Some authorities believe this name could be a variant form of the male name Jude or the female name Judith.

Meaning: Its source is Judith, an English name meaning "He will be praised."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English.

Nickname For: Joanna, Joella, Josephine and Judith

Nicknames: Jo

Compound Forms: Jodilynn and Jodyann

Alternative Spellings: Jodee and Jodie

Variant Forms: Jodele and Jodene

Popularity: The name Jody ranked 402nd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: Some authorities dispute this derivation, citing the vowel shift from ''u'' to ''o'' as atypical. They believe the name evolved as a pet form of names begining with the syllable ''Jo-,'' such as Josephine and Joanna.