Josephine
Josephine first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1918, when 8,682 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 4,126.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Josephine popular?
Rising Josephine has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 20,976 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 23,960 | |
| 2000s | 13,924 | |
| 1990s | 7,059 | |
| 1980s | 4,732 | |
| 1970s | 5,154 | |
| 1960s | 9,317 | |
| 1950s | 16,412 | |
| 1940s | 24,324 | |
| 1930s | 36,051 | |
| 1920s | 69,223 | |
| 1910s | 61,355 | |
| 1900s | 18,785 | |
| 1890s | 12,463 | |
| 1880s | 7,732 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Josephine mean?
The feminine of Joseph, from the Hebrew, “God shall add.” Borne by Napoleon’s empress.
Nicknames for Josephine
- Jo
- Josie
- Fifi
- Posy
Variants & spellings
- Joséphine
- Josefina
Names like Josephine
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Josephine
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Josephine
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Josephine mean?
Josephine means God shall add. The feminine of Joseph, from the Hebrew, “God shall add.” Borne by Napoleon’s empress.
What is the origin of the name Josephine?
Josephine is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Josephine?
Josephine is pronounced “JOH-suh-feen.”
Is Josephine a boy or a girl name?
Josephine is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Josephine a popular name right now?
Josephine has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Josephine?
In 2025, Josephine ranked #53 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Josephine most popular?
Josephine was most popular in 1918, when about 8,682 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Josephine?
Common nicknames for Josephine include Jo, Josie, Fifi, Posy.
What names are similar to Josephine?
Names similar to Josephine include Eleanor, Clara, Adeline, Genevieve.
What names go well with Josephine?
Hebrew names that pair well with Josephine include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.