Boy · 2319th of 16,616
Josua
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
768
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1987
Peak Popularity Year
50
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Josua stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Josua originates from Hebrew, meaning 'salvation'. It has evolved through various languages, including Greek and Latin, maintaining its strong association with biblical narratives. The name conveys traits of leadership and divine protection, and it has significant biblical relevance related to the figure Joshua, who led the Israelites. Josua continues to be a popular name, reflecting a blend of tradition and modern appeal.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒoʊʃuə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Josua is derived from the Hebrew name 'Yehoshua', which means 'Yahweh is salvation'. It is a theophoric name that emphasizes the divine aspect of salvation.
Meaning
salvation
Language Evolution
Yehoshua (Hebrew), Iesous (Greek), Jesus (Latin), Josua (English)
Biblical Background
Josua is the Latinized form of the Hebrew name Yehoshua, which is associated with the biblical figure Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses. He is known for leading the conquest of Canaan.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian tradition due to its association with Jesus, particularly during the Renaissance period when biblical names became fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Joshua, Josha, Josue, Jesse
Modern Popularity & Image
Josua is perceived as a strong and historical name, often associated with leadership and faith. It has seen a resurgence in recent years as parents seek unique yet traditional names for their children.
Famous People
Josua Tesch, Josua W. H. van der Veen
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 50 peak births in 1987
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 21 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 4 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3756th of 10718 | 121 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2319th of 16616 | 446 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6594th of 24088 | 173 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 14960th of 23106 | 28 |