“Naḥshon son of Aminadav, of the tribe of Judah”; why was his name called Naḥshon? It is after the fact that he descended first into the wave [naḥshol] in the sea. Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai said: The Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘The one who sanctified My name at the sea, he will present first.’ That was Naḥshon, and he did so.
That is what is written: “Naḥshon son of Aminadav…” The verse ascribes his lineage to his tribe; praise for him, praise for his father, praise for his tribe. Or, perhaps, he collected from his tribe and brought? The verse states: “This was the offering of Naḥshon son of Aminadav” (Numbers 7:17). He brought of his own, and did not collect from his tribe and bring.
Then, why does the verse state: “Naḥshon son of Aminadav, [of the tribe of Judah]”? The verse ascribes his lineage to his tribe.