Josie

♀ Girl

Pronounced JOH-zee /ˈdʒoʊ.zi/High

Meaning: God will increase; God shall add — nickname form of Josephine or Joanna, from Hebrew YosefHigh

In 30 seconds: A sunny nickname-name short for Josephine or Joanna, meaning 'God will increase.' Josie has that rare quality of sounding both cheerful and timeless, and is now popular as a standalone name.

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Origin HighHebrew, English

MeaningGod will increase; God shall add — nickname form of Josephine or Joanna, from Hebrew Yosef

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 56,898

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Josie is a nickname traditionally short for Josephine (feminine of Joseph) or Joanna. Both names trace to the Hebrew Yosef or Yochanan, with the Joseph root meaning 'God will add.'

Josie has been used as a standalone name in the United States since the 19th century. It fell from fashion but has made a strong 21st-century comeback as part of the vintage-nickname-name trend.

Did you know? Josie and the Pussycats, the animated music group from the 1970 Hanna-Barbera cartoon, kept the name in American pop culture for a generation.

Variations

JosiJoseyJozie

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Josie…

Millie— vintage nickname-as-standalone with the same sweet, cheerful energy

Daisy— vintage flower nickname-name with the same happy, sunshine quality

Sadie— Hebrew vintage nickname-name with the same classic friendly warmth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Josie mean?

Josie is a nickname form of Josephine or Joanna, both of which trace to Hebrew origins meaning 'God will increase' or 'God is gracious.'

How do you pronounce Josie?

It is said JOH-zee /ˈdʒoʊ.zi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Josie a boy or girl name?

Josie is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Josie?

Josie has been climbing the U.S. charts and is now among the top 200 girls' names.