William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Josiah
BoyHebrew· “Yahweh supports”
- Meaning
- Yahweh supports
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- joh-SY-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #54
- US babies 2025
- 5,509
- Best rank
- #45 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Josiah
Josiah is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh supports”.
Josiah comes from the Hebrew Yoshiyahu, usually translated "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals". In the Bible, Josiah becomes king of Judah as a young boy and is remembered for his religious reforms after a book of the law is discovered in the Temple. The name was taken up by Puritans in England and colonial America. Josiah Wedgwood, the English potter who founded the famous ceramics company, is a notable historical bearer. Josiah has grown more common in recent decades, appealing to parents who want a biblical name with a gentle sound. Joe and Si are occasional nicknames.
Popularity over time
Josiah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 78 different years. Its best national rank was #45 in 2019, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 7,079 were named Josiah. In 2025, 5,509 babies were named Josiah, and it ranked #54 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,365 in 1920, #1,680 in 1950, #537 in 1980, #180 in 2000, #77 in 2010, and #54 in 2025. Of the 148,958 US boys named Josiah since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 34,599 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jaxon, Lincoln, Julian, Easton, and Grayson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Josiah ranked highest in Georgia, Louisiana, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #16 | 268 |
| Louisiana | #18 | 107 |
| Nevada | #20 | 72 |
| Mississippi | #22 | 62 |
| Delaware | #22 | 25 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Josiah is usually pronounced joh-SY-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Josiah
A few middle names that flow with Josiah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Josiah
Similar names
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Lists that include Josiah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Josiah mean?
Josiah is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh supports”.
What is the origin of the name Josiah?
Josiah has Hebrew roots. Josiah comes from the Hebrew Yoshiyahu, usually translated "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals".
Is Josiah a popular name?
Yes. Josiah ranked #54 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Josiah a boy or girl name?
Josiah is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Josiah?
Josiah is usually pronounced joh-SY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings