📅 Since 1880🏆 50 years in top 1001.34% of births at peak
How to pronounce Joshua
JAH·shoo·uh
/ˈdʒɑ.ˌʃuː.ə/ · stress on JAH · 3 syllables
“יֵּשׁוּעַ, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'”
Hebrew origin · Boy name
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'.
Holding steady — currently #60 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#60 · Top 0.04%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
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
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Joshua
2005Rank #3
43,219
#278
↗Rising
1900 - 202328 years
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.
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.
Sibling names that pair with Joshua
For a sister
Joshua & Abigail♡
Joshua & Eliana♡
Joshua & Naomi♡
Joshua & Maya♡
For a brother
Joshua & Noah♡
Joshua & Benjamin♡
Joshua & Levi♡
Joshua & Ezra♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#60
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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