Joshua

God is salvation — a boy name of Hebrew origin

GenderBoy
OriginHebrew
MeaningGod is salvation
PronunciationJOSH-oo-uh

Popularity of Joshua in the United States

#66Rank in 2025
4,773Births in 2025
#3 in 2002Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Joshua

Joshua comes from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning "God is salvation," the same root that gives us the name Jesus. In the Old Testament, Joshua was the successor of Moses who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is celebrated as a great military leader and a faithful servant of God. The name was popular among the Puritans and has remained widely used since. Joshua was one of the top five boy names in the United States from the 1970s through the 2000s, reflecting its strong biblical heritage and accessible, friendly sound.

Joshua Around the World

Joshua is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.

Languages
EnglishDutch
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
GiosuèItalian
JesúsSpanish
YeshuaHebrew
JosuaDutch
JozuePolish
JoshEnglish
Josuah
Joosua
Yosua
YehoshuaHebrew
Joshuah

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Joshua

JoshJayJoshy

Famous People Named Joshua

  • Joshua Reynolds — English portrait painter
  • Joshua Bell — American violinist
  • Joshua Tree — iconic national park named after the tree

Similar Names to Joshua

If you like Joshua, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Sibling Name Ideas for Joshua

Looking for names that pair well with Joshua? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Joshua mean?

Joshua is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is salvation." Joshua comes from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning "God is salvation," the same root that gives us the name Jesus. In the Old Testament, Joshua was the successor of Moses who led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

How do you pronounce Joshua?

Joshua is pronounced JOSH-oo-uh. Common variations include Josue, Yehoshua, Josua.

Is Joshua a boy name?

Yes, Joshua is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Josh, Jay, Joshy.

Need More Name Ideas?

Like Joshua? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.

Try Baby Name Generator