All about the name

Josafat

Male

« Josafat is a rare Hebrew male name meaning "God shall increase," symbolizing trust in divine providence and growth under God's blessings. It is notably tied to King Josafat of Judah, a wise and just ruler in ancient Israel. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Josafat is a unique and uncommon male given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning and significance are deeply rooted in the religious and historical context of ancient Israel. The name Josafat is derived from two Hebrew elements: "Yosef," which means "he will add," and "fat," which signifies "to enlarge or increase." Therefore, the name Josafat translates to "God shall increase" or "God shall enlarge." This meaning reflects a profound trust in divine providence and the belief that God's blessings will bring growth and prosperity. In the Old Testament of the Bible, King Josafat is mentioned prominently. He was the fifth king of Judah during the late 9th century BCE. Known for his wise and just rule, he is often referred to as one of the few "good kings" in Jewish history. His reputation is founded on his efforts to maintain religious purity among his people and his strategic alliances with other kingdoms. The name Josafat has been used sparingly throughout history but has seen a slight uptick in popularity in recent decades, especially in certain communities where biblical names are favored. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to more popular Hebrew names like David or Joshua. In summary, Josafat is a distinctive male given name of Hebrew origin that signifies trust in divine providence and growth under God's blessings. Its history is tied closely to King Josafat of Judah, who ruled with wisdom and justice during ancient times. Despite its biblical roots, the name Josafat has been used sparingly throughout history but continues to hold significance for those who embrace its meaningful origin and historical context.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Josafat since 1880

Total births
443
Total since 1880
Peak year
2003
20 births
in 2023
17
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+7%
vs previous 5 years