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Josiah vs Seth

Which is more popular?
Josiah is more popular than Seth today: about 5,509 US babies were given the name Josiah in 2025, compared with 0 named Seth.
JosiahSeth
Meaning Yahweh supports appointed, placed
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation joh-SY-ah SETH
Syllables 3 1
First appeared18800
Peak year2017 (7,079)2000 (6,717)
In 20255,5090
TrendSteadyVintage
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Josiah Seth
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeJosiahSeth
2020s 34,599 3,548
2010s 63,132 14,671
2000s 33,258 48,161
1990s 10,916 42,213
1980s 4,406 31,129
1970s 945 16,584
1960s 173 3,787
1950s 195 2,101
1940s 164 852
1930s 206 612
1920s 278 874
1910s 308 642
1900s 77 181
1890s 108 168
1880s 193 270

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.

What does Seth mean?

From Hebrew Shet, tied to the verb shat, 'to set, place, appoint.' Genesis 4:25 explains it through Eve's words 'God has appointed (shat) for me another child' — a biblical wordplay that is consistent with the underlying root.

Frequently asked questions

Is Josiah or Seth more popular?

Josiah is more popular than Seth today: about 5,509 US babies were given the name Josiah in 2025, compared with 0 named Seth.

What is the difference between Josiah and Seth?

Josiah means Yahweh supports (hebrew origin), while Seth means appointed, placed (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Josiah or Seth?

In US records, Josiah first appears in 1880 and Seth in 0, so Seth has the longer recorded history.