Josafat Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ho-SAH-fat //xoʊˈsæfæt//
Origin: Hebrew; Spanish
Meaning: Hebrew: 'Yahweh has judged'; Spanish: variant of Josaphat
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Josafat has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the name יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehoshafat), which translates to "Yahweh has judged". This name is a compound of two elements: "Yeho", referring to the divine name Yahweh, and "shafat", meaning to judge.
The name transitioned into Greek as Ἰωσαφάτ (Iōsaphat) and later into Latin as Josaphat, before being adopted into Old French and eventually into English. The evolution of the name reflects the linguistic shifts and cultural exchanges that occurred over centuries, particularly during the periods of the Hellenistic and Roman empires.
Historically, the name Josafat is most notably associated with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who reigned in the 9th century BCE. He is recognized in the Hebrew Bible for his efforts to reform the worship practices in Judah and for his military alliances.
The name also appears in various biblical texts, including the King James Bible, which contributed to its recognition in Christian contexts. Additionally, the name is linked to Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych, a 17th-century martyr and the patron saint of Ukraine, who was canonized in the early 20th century, further embedding the name in religious and cultural history.
Culturally, Josafat carries connotations of divine justice and moral authority, aligning with the biblical narratives that emphasize judgment and righteousness. The name has been used in various literary and artistic works throughout history, often symbolizing themes of faith and leadership.
A diminutive form, Josie, has also emerged in some cultures, though it is less historically significant. Overall, the name Josafat reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance that has endured through the ages.
Famous people named Josafat
In this section, you will find notable people named Josafat. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Josafat who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Josafat who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Josafat is a biblical figure best known as a king of Judah who reigned during a time of peace and prosperity.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Josafat, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Josafat. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Josafat was first seen in the United States in 1986.
Josafat has ranked as high as #9532 nationally, which occurred in 2003, and has been most popular in California, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Josafat has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Josafat is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Josafat was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Josafat.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 10 |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2023 | 17 | 17 |
| 2022 | 10 | 10 |
| 2021 | 12 | 12 |
| 2020 | 12 | 12 |
| 2019 | 14 | 14 |
| 2018 | 9 | 9 |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 |
| 2016 | 12 | 12 |
| 2015 | 7 | 7 |
| 2014 | 16 | 16 |
| 2013 | 17 | 17 |
| 2012 | 17 | 17 |
| 2011 | 11 | 11 |
| 2010 | 14 | 14 |
| 2009 | 14 | 14 |
| 2008 | 13 | 13 |
| 2007 | 16 | 16 |
| 2006 | 11 | 11 |
| 2005 | 15 | 15 |
| 2004 | 12 | 12 |
| 2003 | 20 | 20 |
| 2002 | 12 | 12 |
| 2001 | 15 | 15 |
| 2000 | 13 | 13 |
| 1999 | 11 | 11 |
| 1998 | 11 | 11 |
| 1997 | 13 | 13 |
| 1996 | 18 | 18 |
| 1995 | 9 | 9 |
| 1994 | 11 | 11 |
| 1993 | 16 | 16 |
| 1991 | 11 | 11 |
| 1990 | 6 | 6 |
| 1989 | 5 | 5 |
| 1986 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Josafat (2019)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |