Meaning, origin, history
Joshua is a Hebrew name that means "God is salvation." It has its roots in the Bible, as Joshua was a major prophet and the successor to Moses in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The name gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century when many people were naming their children after biblical figures.
The name Joshua is believed to have been first used by Jews living in Spain in the late Middle Ages, but it did not become widespread until the 19th century. Today, it is a popular name worldwide, with variations such as Josh, Joshuah, and Jeshua also being commonly used.
In many cultures, Joshua is seen as a strong and powerful name, reflecting its biblical roots. However, it has also been associated with creativity and intelligence, as evidenced by the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne this name, including the American astronaut Joshua S. Resnick and the British musician Joshua Homme.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jashua since 1880
Total births
1,697
Total since 1880
Peak year
1987
73 births
in 2023
11
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-29%
↘
vs previous 5 years