Joshua: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- JOSH-oo-uhˈdʒɒʃ.u.ə
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 3
- Nicknames
- Josh, Joshie
- US Popularity (2025)
- #66 — 📉 Falling
What Does Joshua Mean?
Joshua comes from the Hebrew Yehoshua, built from Yahu, a form of God's name, and yasha, meaning 'to save' or 'to rescue', so it means 'Yahweh is salvation'. It is the same name as Jesus in its Hebrew form, which came into English through Greek and Latin as Jesus. In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua succeeds Moses and leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.
The name was uncommon in English before the Reformation, then became one of the most popular boys' names in the US from the 1980s to the 2000s. It has fallen back since the mid-2010s, though it is still in the top 70. The usual nicknames are Josh and Joshie.
How Popular Is Joshua?
Joshua fell from #33 in 2015 to #66 in 2025, with only a small rebound in 2024.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Joshua
Classic pairings
- Joshua James
- Joshua Alexander
- Joshua William
- Joshua Henry
Modern pairings
- Joshua Atlas
- Joshua Wilder
- Joshua Jasper
- Joshua Beckett
One-syllable options
- Joshua Reid
- Joshua Cole
- Joshua Grant
- Joshua Blake
Family-name bridges
- Joshua David
- Joshua Thomas
- Joshua Daniel
- Joshua Joseph
Names Similar to Joshua
If you love Joshua, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Joshua
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Joshua
- JoshuaBiblical successor to Moses who led the Israelites into the Promised Land.
- Joshua ReynoldsEighteenth-century English portrait painter and first president of the Royal Academy.
- Joshua JacksonCanadian-American actor known for 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Fringe'.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua
Is Joshua a boy or girl name?
Joshua is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Joshua?
Joshua is pronounced JOSH-oo-uh (IPA: ˈdʒɒʃ.u.ə). It has 3 syllables. Common nicknames include Josh, Joshie.
Is Joshua a Hebrew name?
Joshua is of Hebrew origin. Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'.
What does Joshua mean?
Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'.
Joshua comes from the Hebrew Yehoshua, built from Yahu, a form of God's name, and yasha, meaning 'to save' or 'to rescue', so it means 'Yahweh is salvation'. It is the same name as Jesus in its Hebrew form, which came into English through Greek and Latin as Jesus. In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua succeeds Moses and leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Is Joshua a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Joshua is a highly popular name. It ranked #66 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Joshua fell from #33 in 2015 to #66 in 2025, with only a small rebound in 2024.
What are good middle names for Joshua?
Good middle names for Joshua include classic choices like Joshua James and Joshua Alexander, modern options like Joshua Atlas and Joshua Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Joshua Reid and Joshua Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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