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Josephine Girl

Popularity: #56 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationJO-seh-feen / /ˈdʒoʊsəfiːn/

Hebrew; French

Meaning

Hebrew: God will add; French: derived from Joseph

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Josephine is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "God will increase." This name was Latinized as Iosephus in the Roman context, which later evolved into Joseph in English. The feminine form, Josephine, emerged in the early 19th century, primarily in France, where it was popularized as a derivative of Joseph. The name was introduced into English-speaking contexts through French influence, particularly during the Napoleonic era, when Josephine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, became a prominent historical figure.

Josephine has historical significance through various notable figures. In the biblical narrative, Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a key patriarch whose story is recounted in the Book of Genesis. His legacy has influenced the use of the name across cultures and languages. The name Josephine itself gained traction in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of Romanticism and a renewed interest in classical names, which were often associated with nobility and virtue. The name also appears in literature and art, further embedding it within cultural contexts.

Culturally, Josephine has been associated with qualities such as strength, resilience, and nurturing, often reflecting the characteristics attributed to its masculine counterpart, Joseph. The name has seen various diminutive forms, such as Josie, which have been used affectionately in different cultures. The enduring appeal of Josephine can be attributed to its historical roots, its association with significant figures, and its resonance in various artistic expressions, making it a name of both personal and cultural significance.

Trend Summary

Josephine has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Josie
  • Josefine
  • Joséphine

International Variants

  • Giuseppina (Italian)
  • Josefina (Spanish)
  • Josefine (German)
  • Yosefina (Hebrew)

Famous people named Josephine

Josephine Baker was a singer and dancer best known for her performances in La Revue Nègre, Ziegfeld Follies, and her role in the French Resistance during World War II.

Josephine Tey was a novelist best known for her works The Franchise Affair, Brat Farrar, and The Daughter of Time.

Josephine Wall is an artist best known for her fantasy art and illustrations, particularly her ethereal and dreamlike paintings.

Josephine Langford is an actress best known for her roles in After, The Hating Game, and Moxie.

Fictional characters named Josephine

Josephine March is a fictional character from the novel Little Women. She is the spirited and ambitious second daughter of the March family who aspires to be a writer.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Josephine was first seen in the United States in 1880. Josephine has ranked as high as #44 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Josephine has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Josephine (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 262
7%
TX 237
7%
PA 208
6%
OH 201
6%
NY 192
5%
IL 150
4%
FL 148
4%
NC 134
4%
VA 129
4%
MA 115
3%
MO 110
3%
WA 108
3%
MN 105
3%
IN 102
3%
GA 97
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880544
1881563
1882638
1883697
1884800
1885783
1886844
1887815
18881,001
18891,047
18901,118
18911,031
18921,210
18931,178
18941,256
18951,334
18961,256
18971,267
18981,425
18991,388
19001,743
19011,434
19021,565
19031,587
19041,701
19051,894
19061,900
19072,156
19082,389
19092,416
19102,801
19113,011
19123,980
19134,822
19145,896
19157,606
19168,127
19178,326
19188,682
19198,104
19208,093
19218,135
19227,864
19237,560
19247,274
19256,810
19266,410
19276,108
19285,671
19295,298
19304,988
19314,497
19324,094
19333,570
19343,742
19353,262
19363,141
19372,942
19382,978
19392,837
19402,744
19412,726
19422,748
19432,664
19442,324
19452,146
19462,228
19472,351
19482,230
19492,163
19502,093
19511,966
19521,862
19531,799
19541,719
19551,595
19561,485
19571,442
19581,274
19591,177
19601,158
19611,203
19621,104
19631,053
1964962
1965863
1966838
1967744
1968693
1969699
1970677
1971603
1972580
1973535
1974536
1975456
1976431
1977442
1978457
1979437
1980502
1981476
1982491
1983480
1984437
1985423
1986456
1987436
1988503
1989527
1990579
1991607
1992591
1993596
1994648
1995700
1996725
1997784
1998840
1999989
20001,116
20011,153
20021,198
20031,257
20041,337
20051,490
20061,548
20071,562
20081,634
20091,627
20101,677
20111,730
20121,957
20132,012
20142,286
20152,505
20162,797
20172,822
20183,048
20193,122
20203,057
20213,389
20223,263
20233,366
20243,746