What does Josiah mean and where does it come from?
The name Josiah is predominantly a male name of Hebrew origin, spelled as יֹאשִׁיָהוּ in Hebrew. It can be used as a feminine name in modern contexts, particularly in the U.S. It gained prominence due to its biblical associations, referring to a king of Judah in the Hebrew Bible. The name signifies
Cultural significance
Josiah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of yahweh has healed.
Peak popularity
Reached #45 in 2019 — currently #53 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Josiah?
Josiah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Josiah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Josiah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Josiah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Josiah Claire
French influence · crisp
Josiah Jane
Literary · strong
Josiah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Josiah right now?
Holding steady — currently #53 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #53 | 5,430 | ▼ down 2 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #51 | 5,825 | ▼ down 2 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #49 | 6,146 | ▲ up 1 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #50 | 6,077 | ▲ up 7 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #57 | 6,661 | ▲ up 20 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #77 | 5,205 | ▲ up 48 · +60% births |
| 2005 | #125 | 3,258 | ▲ up 55 · +61% births |
| 2000 | #180 | 2,028 | ▲ up 93 · +99% births |
| 1995 | #273 | 1,018 | ▲ up 82 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #355 | 677 | ▲ up 16 · +36% births |
| 1985 | #371 | 497 | ▲ up 166 · +95% births |
| 1980 | #537 | 255 | ▲ up 353 · +197% births |
| 1975 | #890 | 86 | ▲ up 694 · +197% births |
| 1970 | #1584 | 29 | ▲ up 698 · +123% births |
| 1965 | #2282 | 13 | — |
The story of Josiah
Josiah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #45 in 2019. More than 120,477 babies have been named Josiah since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #338 in 1880 to #53 in 2023. Josiah is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Josiah in 2019:
Josiah by decade
Josiah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 193 | |
| 1890s | 108 | |
| 1900s | 77 | |
| 1910s | 308 | |
| 1920s | 278 | |
| 1930s | 206 | |
| 1940s | 165 | |
| 1950s | 195 | |
| 1960s | 174 | |
| 1970s | 944 | |
| 1980s | 4,432 | |
| 1990s | 10,980 | |
| 2000s | 33,372 | |
| 2010s ★ | 62,953 | |
| 2020s | 6,092 | |
What are good nicknames for Josiah?
What names sound and feel like Josiah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Josiah also consider these
How is Josiah written in other languages?
יֹאשִׁיָהוּ
Ancient Hebrew
Common questions about the name Josiah
What does the name Josiah mean?
Josiah means "Yahweh has healed" — 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 Josiah?
Josiah is currently ranked #53 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 Josiah?
Josiah 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 Josiah?
Josiah is a three-syllable name pronounced JH OW0 S AY1 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 Josiah?
Josiah 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.