The name Jody is a gender-neutral name of English and Hebrew origin, meaning "Jehovah increases" and "praised". It is derived from the Hebrew name Judith, which is also associated with the English name Joan. Jody is often used as a contemporary diminutive of the more formal names Joan and Judith. In the context of males, it can be seen as a fresh take on Jude and Joseph. The origin of Jody in the context of military slang dates back to around 1939 during World War II, when it was introduced by African-American soldiers. Originally, "Jody" was "Joe the Grinder," referring to a disreputable man who would seduce soldiers' wives or girlfriends. The term evolved from the 19th-century slang for sex, where "grinder" referred to the act of copulation. By the end of the war, the name had been shortened to Joe D., then Jody, which eventually became the established term.
Jody is currently #683 in the popularity of the name rankings.
Girl: Jody is currently #371 on Kiindred Girl Names
Overall Unique:
Jody is currently #674 on Kiindred Unique Names
Girl Unique:
Jody is currently #369 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names
