The praised one Greek form of Judah. The apostle, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. As a result, the name Judas is used as a synonym for 'traitor' and is not often used as a first name. Praise. The praised one. This name has become synonymous with traitor, as the apostle Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver.