Josephine Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationJOE-suh-feen / /ˈdʒoʊsəfiːn/Hebrew; French
Meaning
Hebrew: He will add; French: God will increase
Historical & Cultural Background
Josephine is the feminine form of Joseph, which has roots in Hebrew. The name gained popularity in France during the 18th century. It has been used in various cultures and languages, often associated with nobility and elegance. The name has also been borne by several notable historical figures, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Trend Summary
Josephine has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Josie
- Josefine
International Variants
- Josefina (Spanish)
- Giuseppina (Italian)
- Josefine (German)
Famous people named Josephine
Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, civil rights activist, and one of the most celebrated performers of the 20th century.
Josephine Bonaparte was the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and played a significant role in French society during her time.
Josephine Cochrane was an American inventor who created the first commercially successful dishwasher.
Josephine Tey was a Scottish author known for her mystery novels, particularly 'The Franchise Affair'.
Fictional characters named Josephine
Josephine March is a character in Louisa May Alcott's novel 'Little Women', known for her strong-willed and independent nature.
Josephine is a character in the animated film 'The Aristocats', where she is a charming and sophisticated cat.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Josephine was first seen in the United States in 1885. Josephine has ranked as high as #820 nationally, which occurred in 1932, and has been most popular in New York, Texas, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. 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 (1938)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 6 | |
| NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1885 | 6 |
| 1888 | 5 |
| 1889 | 6 |
| 1890 | 6 |
| 1891 | 5 |
| 1892 | 6 |
| 1896 | 7 |
| 1897 | 7 |
| 1899 | 6 |
| 1900 | 6 |
| 1901 | 8 |
| 1902 | 7 |
| 1903 | 12 |
| 1905 | 7 |
| 1906 | 8 |
| 1907 | 8 |
| 1908 | 8 |
| 1909 | 11 |
| 1910 | 8 |
| 1911 | 14 |
| 1912 | 10 |
| 1913 | 13 |
| 1914 | 17 |
| 1915 | 16 |
| 1916 | 15 |
| 1917 | 18 |
| 1918 | 27 |
| 1919 | 20 |
| 1920 | 14 |
| 1921 | 21 |
| 1922 | 23 |
| 1923 | 15 |
| 1924 | 17 |
| 1925 | 25 |
| 1926 | 18 |
| 1927 | 32 |
| 1928 | 30 |
| 1929 | 26 |
| 1930 | 33 |
| 1931 | 36 |
| 1932 | 37 |
| 1933 | 20 |
| 1934 | 20 |
| 1935 | 24 |
| 1936 | 25 |
| 1937 | 26 |
| 1938 | 24 |
| 1939 | 22 |
| 1940 | 12 |
| 1941 | 20 |
| 1942 | 17 |
| 1943 | 15 |
| 1944 | 13 |
| 1945 | 10 |
| 1946 | 6 |
| 1948 | 7 |
| 1951 | 9 |
| 1952 | 6 |
| 1953 | 8 |
| 1954 | 7 |
| 1955 | 6 |
| 1956 | 9 |
| 1958 | 5 |
| 1960 | 7 |
| 1961 | 7 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1963 | 6 |
| 1964 | 9 |
| 1965 | 7 |
| 1975 | 6 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 |