Josai

“second son”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7081US 2023

12Births / yr

↑Rising

40All-time births

📅 Since 200500

How to pronounce Josai

JOH·ES·AY·EYE

/ˈdʒoʊ.ˈɛs.ˈeɪ.ˈaɪ/ · stress on JOH · 3 syllables

“second son”

Japan origin · Boy name

What does Josai mean and where does it come from?

Josai (ジョサイ) is a Japanese given name that is relatively uncommon. It is typically used for males and can be constructed using different kanji characters, with one common configuration designating 'second son' (次男). The components of the name can change based on the kanji chosen, allowing various me

Cultural significance

Josai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of second son.

Peak popularity

Reached #8050 in 2019 — currently #7081 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Josai?

Josai works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Josai Grace

How popular is Josai right now?

Rising fast — up 6153 spots — currently #7081 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#7081 · Top 5.2%

2005

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7081	12	▲ up 6153 · +140% births
2022	#13234	5	▼ down 1846 · -17% births
2021	#11388	6	▲ up 1722 · +20% births
2020	#13110	5	▲ up 61
2005	#13171	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Josai

Best Year2023Rank #7081

Peak Count12

Average Rank#11597

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2005 - 20235 years

The story of Josai

Josai is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 40 total births recorded, Josai remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13171 in 2005 to #7081 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Josai in 2019:

Liam Noah Oliver William Elijah

Josai by decade

Josai peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
2000s	10
2010s ★	25
2020s	5

💎Josai has only 40 total recorded births since 2005 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Josai?

Common

JosJosieJosy

What names sound and feel like Josai?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Josai also consider these

Jonai

Japanese · Japanese

Josaih

Israel · The Lord saves

Josani

American · A beloved name

Common questions about the name Josai

What does the name Josai mean?

Josai means "second son" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Josai?

Josai is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Josai have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Josai?

Josai originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Josai?

Josai is a three-syllable name pronounced JH OW1 EH1 S EY1 AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Josai?

Josai pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.