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Josephine

♀ Girl

Pronounced JOH-zeh-feen /ˈdʒoʊ.zə.fiːn/High

Meaning: God will increase; God shall addHigh

In 30 seconds: A regal French form of Joseph meaning 'God will increase.' Borne by Napoleon's beloved empress, it blends vintage grandeur with modern charm.
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Origin HighHebrew, French
MeaningGod will increase; God shall add
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 304,208

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Josephine is the French feminine form of Joseph, itself from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' The name entered wider European use through French royal and noble circles in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The name's most famous bearer, Empress Joséphine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, cemented its glamorous image across Europe. In the English-speaking world it became fashionable in the Victorian era and has seen a strong revival in the 21st century.

Did you know? Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, born Marie Josèphe Rose, adopted the name Joséphine at Napoleon's request.

Variations

JoséphineGiuseppinaJosefinaIoséphine

Nicknames

JoJosieFifiJoey

Famous Bearers

  • ★Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763–1814)
    First wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of the French.
  • ★Josephine Baker (1906–1975)
    American-born French entertainer, singer, and civil rights activist.

If you like Josephine…

Eleanor— same vintage French elegance and aristocratic feel
Vivienne— shares the sophisticated French feminine style
Genevieve— another long classic French name with nickname options

Frequently Asked

What does the name Josephine mean?

Josephine is the French feminine form of Joseph, from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'God will increase' or 'God shall add.'

How do you pronounce Josephine?

It is pronounced JOH-zeh-feen /ˈdʒoʊ.zə.fiːn/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Josephine a boy or girl name?

Josephine is a distinctly feminine name, the female form of Joseph.

How popular is Josephine?

Josephine has been rising steadily in the U.S., consistently ranking among the top 100 girls' names in recent years.