Josiah: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

By Tara Gunn

Updated June 13, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Josiah mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Hebrew: God supports, Jehovah heals

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Josiah is pronounced jo-sie-uh

The name Josiah has its roots in Hebrew origin, meaning "God supports" or "God heals." Traditionally a male name, its adaptation for girls is growing in popularity. Josiah is a name imbued with spiritual significance and can be found in Biblical texts, associated with a righteous king of Judah who enacted significant religious reforms.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Josiah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: God supports, Jehovah heals

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Josiah is pronounced jo-sie-uh

The name Josiah has its origins in Hebrew, derived from the Biblical figure King Josiah of Judah. It translates to "God supports" or "Jehovah heals," which reflects the name's strong religious and historical significance. King Josiah is considered one of the righteous kings of Judah, noted for his efforts in reforming and renewing the covenant with God, which may contribute to the name's enduring use. It derives from the Hebrew name Yoshiyahu, from the components yoshi ("support") and Yahu (the Hebrew god).

Boy name variations

How Popular Is The Name Josiah

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Angela Bassett

Josiah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Josiah Bartlett from The West Wing - President of the United States, a Nobel laureate in Economics, and a father figure to many of his staff.
Josiah Sampson III from Elijah of Buxton - An intelligent and determined young boy growing up in a community of runaway slaves in Canada.
Josiah Bounderby from Hard Times - A wealthy, self-made businessman who is loud, brash, and often harsh.
Josiah Stubb from The Ballad of Josiah Stubb - A British army officer torn by his loyalty to the crown and his personal moral compass.
Josiah Scurlock from Young Guns - A close friend of Billy the Kid, known for his calm demeanor and loyalty.

Popularity of the Name Josiah

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Josiah has seen a steady rise in popularity over the years. In recent years, Josiah ranked among the top 100 baby names in the U.S., reflecting its growing appeal among parents.

The name has historical roots, being popularized by King Josiah of Judah, a Biblical figure known for his religious reforms. In modern times, Josiah has been embraced by notable individuals, including Josiah Bartlett, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and Josiah Wedgwood, the famous English potter. In literature and entertainment, characters named Josiah have appeared in various works, such as The Young Riders and Hell on Wheels, showcasing its timeless charm. It's also the name of a character in TV show The West Wing, Charles Dickens' Hard Times, and Eugene O'Neill's tragedy Mourning Becomes Electra.