Joshua

What does the baby name Joshua mean? Learn about what Joshua means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Joshua - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Joshua
J-O-S-H-U-A, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Joshua
JAH-shə-wə
JAW-shwə
JAH shoo ah
Meaning of Joshua
God is salvation, god is deliverance, god rescues, jehovah saves, god is my salvation.
Origin of Joshua
The name 'Joshua' finds its origins in the Hebrew language. It is derived from the Hebrew name 'Yehoshua', which means 'Yahweh is salvation'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to ancient times, specifically to the biblical figure 'Joshua', who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites and led them into the Promised Land.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Joshua
Josh
Josua
Josue
Jozua
Popularity of Joshua
Over the centuries, the name 'Joshua' has enjoyed enduring popularity. In the United States, it experienced a notable spike in usage during the 1980s and 1990s, consistently ranking among the top names for boys. This surge in popularity can be attributed to various factors, including its biblical association, its strong and masculine sound, and its positive connotations of salvation and leadership.
Joshua currently has 4258 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name William is slightly more popular than Joshua.

Etymology of Joshua

The etymology of the name 'Joshua' is deeply rooted in the Hebrew language. The name is a combination of two elements 'Yeho', which is a shortened form of 'Yahweh', the Hebrew name for God, and 'shua', which means 'salvation' or 'to save'. Thus, when combined, the name 'Joshua' can be interpreted as 'Yahweh is salvation' or 'God saves.'

Cultural Significance of Joshua

The name 'Joshua' holds significant cultural value, particularly within the Jewish community. In Jewish tradition, 'Joshua' is revered as a heroic figure who led the Israelites to victory in their conquest of the Promised Land. His courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to his people have made him a symbol of strength and resilience.