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Josiah

♂ Boy

Pronounced joh-ZY-uh /dʒoʊˈzaɪə/High

Meaning: God supports; healed by God — from Hebrew Yoshiyahu (yasha: to support/save + Yah: God)High

In 30 seconds: A stately Hebrew Biblical name meaning 'God supports.' King Josiah of Judah was celebrated for religious reform, and the name has climbed into the U.S. top 50 boys' names.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod supports; healed by God — from Hebrew Yoshiyahu (yasha: to support/save + Yah: God)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 100,494

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

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

History & Origin

Josiah comes from the Hebrew Yoshiyahu, meaning 'God supports' or 'healed by God,' composed of yasha (to save, support) and Yah (a shortened form of Yahweh). In the Hebrew Bible, Josiah was a king of Judah who ascended the throne as a child and became famous for his sweeping religious reforms, rediscovering the Torah and purging idolatry.

Josiah was embraced by English Puritans in the 17th century as a name with royal and reforming Biblical gravitas. It declined in the 20th century but has staged a strong comeback in the 21st century, entering the U.S. top 50 boys' names by the 2010s. It is particularly popular among families who value substantive Biblical names with strong historical resonance.

Did you know? King Josiah of Judah (ruled c. 641–609 BC) is described in 2 Kings as the greatest reforming king — he destroyed pagan shrines and restored the Book of the Law, earning the name a distinguished royal pedigree.

Variations

Josias

Nicknames

JoJosieSi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Josiah Wedgwood (1730–1795)
    English potter and entrepreneur, founder of the Wedgwood pottery firm.

If you like Josiah…

Isaiah— fellow major Hebrew prophet/king name enjoying the same modern revival
Ezekiel— another substantial Hebrew Biblical name with prophet associations
Elijah— top-ranked Old Testament boys' name in the same tier
Jeremiah— long, resonant Hebrew Biblical name with the same royal and prophetic weight

Frequently Asked

What does the name Josiah mean?

Josiah is a Hebrew name meaning 'God supports' or 'healed by God,' from yasha (to save) and Yah (God).

How do you pronounce Josiah?

It's said joh-ZY-uh /dʒoʊˈzaɪə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Josiah a boy or girl name?

Josiah is used exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Josiah?

Josiah has climbed into the U.S. top 50 boys' names in the 2010s after a strong Biblical name revival.