Posy

♀ Girl

Pronounced POH-zee /ˈpoʊ.zi/High

Meaning: The English word posy — a small bunch of flowers — used as a name. The word began as a variant of 'poesy', because early posies carried little verses. Posy also serves as a traditional English pet form of Josephine, which we note.Medium

In 30 seconds: Posy is a small bunch of flowers — and also a charming English pet name for Josephine (said 'POH-zee').

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningThe English word posy — a small bunch of flowers — used as a name. The word began as a variant of 'poesy', because early posies carried little verses. Posy also serves as a traditional English pet form of Josephine, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#14813 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 100

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Posy is the English word for a small bunch of flowers, used as a given name. Its origins are charming: posy is a variant of 'poesy', because such bunches once came with a short verse attached, and the two words were one. Posy also serves as a traditional English pet form of Josephine, which we note. It has a fresh, storybook feel and has quietly gained ground in Britain (said 'POH-zee').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare here, charming and English.

Did you know? A posy was once a 'poesy' — a little bunch of flowers that came with a verse tucked in. The word and the poem were the same thing.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Posy — English word 'posy' (from poesy); also pet form of Josephine

Variations

PoseyPosieJosephine

Nicknames

PosPip

Famous Bearers

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If you like Posy…

Posey— the same name in another spelling

Daisy— a like flower name

Pippa— a like bright English pet name

Flora— a like botanical pick

Explore names like Posy

By themeenglish word-name nickname-name flower

By meaningFlower

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Posy mean?

Posy is the English word for a small bunch of flowers, from 'poesy'. It is also a traditional pet form of Josephine.

How do you pronounce Posy?

It's said POH-zee /ˈpoʊ.zi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Posy a boy or girl name?

Posy is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Posy?

Posy is rare in the U.S. and better known in Britain.