Last Name Joda

The origin of the surname Joda is unclear as it may have origins from different cultures and languages. However, it's commonly believed that it could be of Dutch or German origin. In Dutch, "Jodae" or "Joda" is a variation of the biblical name Jotham, which means "persecution" or "disaster." In German, it may derive from the medieval surname "Jode" or "Jotta," which could have been a nickname for someone with a physical resemblance to an animal such as a badger (German: Iltis, Dutch: dasel). It's also possible that the name Joda has roots in other languages and cultures. For instance, in Hebrew, Yehuda means "praise" or "thanksgiving." In Sanskrit, Yudha means "war" or "fight." Without more specific information about the individual's family history, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the surname Joda.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Joda

The meaning and origin of the last name Joda

The surname Joda is of Dutch origins, specifically from the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands. It is derived from various place names in this region, such as "Joodok" or "Judok," which mean "God's wood" or "Jude's clearing." This name would have been originally given as a topographic surname to someone who lived near one of these places. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in the Netherlands and was eventually brought by Dutch immigrants to other countries like North America. Today, the surname Joda is relatively uncommon but can still be found primarily among the Dutch diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Joda

The surname Joda is predominantly found in India, particularly within the state of Odisha. Historically, it is an endonym for residents of the region known as Jhodia, which translates to "the land of Jodas." Over time, this surname has also spread to other parts of India, including West Bengal and Assam. In recent years, due to migration, individuals with the last name Joda can be found in various diaspora communities around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, the majority of people with this surname still reside in India.

Variants and spellings of the last name Joda

The surname Joda has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include:

1. Jodah
2. Jodaia
3. Jodaia-Garcia
4. Jodeau
5. Jodeaux
6. Jodet
7. Jodingo
8. Jodina
9. Jodino
10. Jodon
11. Jodoque
12. Jodovich
13. Jodowicz
14. Jodowsky
15. Joda-Wright

These variations may arise due to factors such as phonetic changes, regional dialects, or different methods of transliteration when the name is written in languages other than English. It's also worth noting that surnames can sometimes be altered over time due to factors such as clerical errors, intentional changes, or assimilation into a new culture.

Famous people with the last name Joda

The Jodas are not particularly renowned for having numerous famous individuals bearing this surname compared to other common last names. However, there are some notable personalities associated with the name Joda. Notable among them is Dr. James A. Joda, an African-American scholar and educator who has made significant contributions in the field of education policy, civil rights, and racial equality in the United States. Additionally, Jody Watley, a prominent figure in the music industry, is also known as Joda. An American singer-songwriter and record producer, she rose to fame as one of the first successful African-American solo artists in contemporary R&B and new jack swing genres. Another notable person with the surname Joda is Lata Jodha, an Indian environmentalist who co-founded the Jaipur Environmental Lobby in Rajasthan, India, working tirelessly to raise awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices within local communities.

Genealogical research on the last name Joda

The Joda surname is believed to have originated from the medieval English term "Judah," which was an Anglicized form of the Jewish name Yehuda or Judas, meaning praiseworthy. This surname was first recorded in various forms, such as Joda and Iuda, during the 13th century in England.

The Joda family is thought to have migrated from England to Normandy, France, around the 14th or 15th century, where they settled in the region of Caen. From there, some branches moved to other parts of France, including Brittany and Alsace.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, several members of the Joda family emigrated from France to the Netherlands, Germany, and later to the British colonies in North America. Notable Joda descendants include Louis Jodain (1635-1703), a French Jesuit missionary and educator, and John L. Joda (1825-1892), an American businessman and politician who served as the mayor of Buffalo, New York.

Today, the Joda surname is found predominantly in North America, Europe, and Australia, with variations including Jodat, Juda, Joudan, Judah, Jodas, Jodaes, and others.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "joda"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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