Meaning, origin, history
Josiah is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God supports" or "God sustains." It comes from the Hebrew word Yoshia, which consists of two elements: Yoshe, meaning "to support," and Yah, one of the names of God.
The name Josiah has a significant history in biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, King Josiah is considered one of the most righteous kings of Judah. He ruled from approximately 640 to 610 BCE and was known for his religious reforms, including the destruction of idols and the re-establishment of Passover celebrations.
The name Josiah gained popularity among Christians during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. It became more widespread as parents sought out biblical names for their children. Today, Josiah is still a popular name choice in English-speaking countries, ranking among the top 500 baby boy names in recent years.
In summary, Josiah is a strong and meaningful name with Hebrew origins, a significant biblical history, and enduring popularity among modern parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their sons.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jossue since 1880
Total births
675
Total since 1880
Peak year
2006
30 births
in 2022
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-13%
↘
vs previous 5 years