Josiah
Josiah first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2017, when 7,079 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 5,509.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Josiah popular?
Steady Josiah has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2017.
| 2020s | 34,599 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 63,132 | |
| 2000s | 33,258 | |
| 1990s | 10,916 | |
| 1980s | 4,406 | |
| 1970s | 945 | |
| 1960s | 173 | |
| 1950s | 195 | |
| 1940s | 164 | |
| 1930s | 206 | |
| 1920s | 278 | |
| 1910s | 308 | |
| 1900s | 77 | |
| 1890s | 108 | |
| 1880s | 193 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Josiah mean?
From Hebrew Yoshiyahu, a theophoric name ending in Yah (Yahweh). Lexicons (BDB) read it 'Yah supports/supporteth'; the underlying verb (yasha) carries the sense 'save, deliver.' The popular rendering 'Yahweh heals' is common on name sites but is not supported by the root, so 'supports' is the better-attested gloss.
Nicknames for Josiah
- Josi
- Joss
Variants & spellings
- Josias
Names like Josiah
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Josiah
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Josiah
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Josiah mean?
Josiah means Yahweh supports. From Hebrew Yoshiyahu, a theophoric name ending in Yah (Yahweh). Lexicons (BDB) read it 'Yah supports/supporteth'; the underlying verb (yasha) carries the sense 'save, deliver.' The popular rendering 'Yahweh heals' is common on name sites but is not supported by the root, so 'supports' is the better-attested gloss.
What is the origin of the name Josiah?
Josiah is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Josiah?
Josiah is pronounced “joh-SY-ah.”
Is Josiah a boy or a girl name?
Josiah is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Josiah a popular name right now?
Josiah has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2017.
How popular is the name Josiah?
In 2025, Josiah ranked #54 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Josiah most popular?
Josiah was most popular in 2017, when about 7,079 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Josiah?
Common nicknames for Josiah include Josi, Joss.
What names are similar to Josiah?
Names similar to Josiah include Isaiah, Elijah, Ezra, Caleb.
What names go well with Josiah?
hebrew names that pair well with Josiah include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.