Rising since 1993, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Joash since 1980
Babies named Joash per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 34 |
| 2000s | 103 |
| 2010s | 147 |
| 2020s | 106 |
Meaning & origin
Joash is a rare biblical name that has been slowly gaining traction since 1993. In 2025, it ranked 4,539th in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 77,640 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year so far has been 2024, reflecting a modest but steady increase in interest. The name is most commonly used in Pennsylvania, among other states, suggesting pockets of religious or cultural preference. As a Hebrew name rooted in the Old Testament, it carries a strong historical and spiritual resonance, though it remains an uncommon choice compared to more popular biblical names like Noah or Jacob. Its rise since the 1990s may be attributed to a broader trend of reviving obscure scriptural names.
Joash is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Yeho'ash (יוֹאָשׁ), meaning 'Yahweh has given' or possibly 'fire of Yahweh.' In the Hebrew Bible, Joash was a king of Judah who ruled in the 9th century BCE, and also a king of Israel. The name appears in the Old Testament and has been used occasionally by English-speaking Christians, primarily in religious families, but remains rare as a given name.
Where Joash is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Joe, Jo
Variants: Jehoash, Yoash
Sibling names for Joash
Names that share Joash's style, for a brother or sister.
