What does Joshua mean and where does it come from?
Joshua originates from the Hebrew name 'יְהוֹשֻעַ' (Yehoshua), which signifies salvation. Traditionally a male name, it has recently gained popularity as a unisex name. In the Bible, Joshua is known as the leader who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The name has strong
Cultural significance
Joshua has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of יֵּשׁוּעַ, meaning 'yahweh is salvation'.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 2002 — currently #60 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Joshua?
Joshua works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Joshua Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Joshua Rose
Floral · soft ending
Joshua Mae
Sweet · timeless
Joshua Claire
French influence · crisp
Joshua Jane
Literary · strong
Joshua Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Joshua right now?
Holding steady — currently #60 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #60 | 5,064 | stable · -3% births |
| 2022 | #60 | 5,195 | ▼ down 2 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #58 | 5,524 | ▼ down 4 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #54 | 5,924 | ▼ down 21 · -40% births |
| 2015 | #33 | 9,801 | ▼ down 22 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #11 | 15,442 | ▼ down 8 · -34% births |
| 2005 | #3 | 23,250 | ▲ up 1 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #4 | 27,537 | ▲ up 1 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #5 | 30,718 | ▼ down 1 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #4 | 43,219 | stable · +2% births |
| 1985 | #4 | 42,195 | ▲ up 3 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #7 | 36,060 | ▲ up 19 · +147% births |
| 1975 | #26 | 14,574 | ▲ up 124 · +571% births |
| 1970 | #150 | 2,173 | ▲ up 202 · +370% births |
| 1965 | #352 | 462 | — |
The story of Joshua
Joshua has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 2002, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1227K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #212 in 1880 to #60 in 2023. Joshua is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Joshua in 2002:
Joshua by decade
Joshua peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 465 | |
| 1890s | 287 | |
| 1900s | 243 | |
| 1910s | 926 | |
| 1920s | 1,143 | |
| 1930s | 949 | |
| 1940s | 1,158 | |
| 1950s | 2,222 | |
| 1960s | 5,341 | |
| 1970s | 141,201 | |
| 1980s ★ | 399,151 | |
| 1990s | 330,055 | |
| 2000s | 232,401 | |
| 2010s | 105,984 | |
| 2020s | 5,933 | |
What are good nicknames for Joshua?
Famous people named Joshua
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Joshua (historical community leader)
Joshua led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
J(
Joshua (historical figure)
Joshua bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Joshua?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Joshua also consider these
How is Joshua written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Joshua?
Common questions about the name Joshua
What does the name Joshua mean?
Joshua means "יֵּשׁוּעַ, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Joshua?
Joshua is currently ranked #60 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Joshua?
Joshua originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Joshua?
Joshua is a three-syllable name pronounced JH AA1 SH UW2 AH0. 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 Joshua?
Joshua pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.