Josiah Name Meaning and Origin

Traditionally used as a boy’s name, Josiah is derived from the Hebrew name Yoshiyahu. Josiah means “God supports, heals, or God of salvation.” It comes from Yoshi, meaning “support,” and Yahu, referring to the Hebrew God. Josiah was a king of Judah from eight years after his father Amon was murdered in the Old Testament. Its Latin variation Josias is found in some biblical translations. No wonder this Biblical name is quite a popular choice among Christian parents and the English-speaking countries of the world.

What Does Josiah Mean? 

Derived from Hebrew origin, the meaning of Josiah is ‘God of salvation, ‘God supports,’ ‘God will save you,’ or ‘healed by God.’ The incredible meaning of Josiah upholds the greatness or blessing of God that is showered upon parents in the form of a child.

Origin 

In the Holy Bible, Josiah was the son of King Amon. He was only 8 years old when he began to rule Judah. He later became a devoted king known for his piety, riding the land of false idols and priests and setting out on a new covenant with God. As per American history, Josiah Bartlett was a statesman and a physician who signed the Declaration of Independence. Josiah “Jed” Bartlett is the President’s name in the TV series The West Wing.

Gender 

Male

Pronunciation 

• Jow-Zei-uh
• Jo-sye-ah

Syllables 

 3 Syllable

Length/Letter 

 6 letters

Name Variations/Spellings 

Alternative forms of Josiah may explain the diverse make-up of the origins because of the time and place where they developed. Some other spellings for Josiah and Josiah name variations that may offer a wide range of choices:

How Popular Is the Name Josiah? 

Josiah entered the US popularity charts first in 1903 at 637th place. The Social Security Administration data shows that the Josiah popularity index has steadily grown over the past few decades, entering the top 100 in 2008. Since then, the name has remained in the top 1000 baby names in the US. In 2016 Josiah claimed its coveted status as the 10th most popular “J” name for boys in the United States. The Josiah baby name ranking peaked in 2019 when it became the 45th most popular name. In 2020, the name dropped to 50th place. Wedgwood Josiah and Spode Josiah, founder of the fine English potteries, Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the President on The West Wing, a fictional descendant along with Josiah Borden, a character in Charles Dicken’s Hard Times, and Eugene O’Neill’s tragedy Mourning Becomes Electra has contributed to the popularity of the name.

Interest in Josiah – Worldwide

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A consistent search value of over 30 has been recorded on interest for the name Josiah reaching 100 in May 2013. The lowest value was recorded at 28 in August 2016.

Interest in Josiah – US

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Search trends for the name Josiah show a search value of over 30 reaching 100 in May 2013. It scored the lowest value of 27 in November 2014.

Popularity of the name Josiah 

URL: https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi

Where Is the Name Most Searched?

Search trends of Josiah – Worldwide

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Interest in the name Josiah has been seen to be highest in Zimbabwe in the past 10 years. Other countries like Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Kenya, and South Africa have secured top five positions.  As Christianity is the dominant religion in Zimbabwe, a Biblical name like Josiah has become a popular choice for babies. 

Search trends of Josiah in the US

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Among the sub-regions in the US, maximum searches for the name Josiah have been registered in Rhode Island. Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and North Carolina have occupied a coveted place in the top five positions over the last 10 years. 

Middle Names That Go With Josiah

Middle names are optional but sometimes gain better appreciation than the formal given name. Some best double names with Josiah that may be religious, keep track of the child’s family tree or help establish a higher status in society:

Famous People Named Josiah 

Celebrities who are extremely talented act as role models for the younger generation. Here is a compilation of some of the most popular personalities named Josiah, who may motivate children by their outstanding achievements: 

Similar Names & Last Names 

Baby names like Josiah may add a modern twist to the name. Josiah’s other names and family names may add versatility to your baby naming table.

Names That Sound Like Josiah

Names that rhyme with Josiah may offer an elaboration of style through a creative manner. Here are some of the names that sound like Josiah that explores the varied aesthetic effect of the name:

Sibling Names Related to Josiah 

When sibling names are matched, the bond between them is sure to grow stronger and inseparable. Here are some of the best sibling names that go with Josiah that may help to make a dream team within the family:

Nicknames for Josiah 

Nicknames are identity markers that convey a person’s special characteristics like behavior, physical attributes, or interests. Here is a compilation of some of the best nicknames for the name Josiah that may be substitute monikers for the formal name:

Despite being a Biblical name with an old-fashioned charm, Josiah continues to climb up the popularity charts and play a vital role in new parents’ baby name selection process.

Sources/References

Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi
Josiah Name Popularity in the United States: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-19%202021-09-11&geo=US&q=Josiah
Josiah Name Popularity Across The World: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-11-11%202021-11-11&q=Josiah
Josiah Name Interest in the United States: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-11-11%202021-11-11&geo=US&q=Josiah
Josiah Name Interest Across The World: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-11-11%202021-11-11&q=Josiah