A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Josefina since 1887
Babies named Josefina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 14 |
| 1890s | 66 |
| 1900s | 174 |
| 1910s | 612 |
| 1920s | 1,659 |
| 1930s | 1,242 |
| 1940s | 1,186 |
| 1950s | 1,403 |
| 1960s | 1,269 |
| 1970s | 1,374 |
| 1980s | 1,367 |
| 1990s | 1,240 |
| 2000s | 998 |
| 2010s | 788 |
| 2020s | 540 |
Meaning & origin
Josefina is a name with deep roots in Spanish and Italian culture, first appearing in U.S. records in 1887. Its peak year was 1930, reflecting a time when names like Josefina were common in immigrant households. Today, it ranks around 1880, a modest revival that has been rising since 2013. The name has a 1-in-15,454 frequency, placing it firmly in the realm of distinctive choices. Top states such as Arizona, Illinois, and Florida suggest a continuing cultural connection, particularly in communities with Hispanic heritage. Josefina strikes a balance between tradition and rarity, offering a vintage feel with a gentle upward trend.
Josefina is a feminine form of Joseph, from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'may God add' or 'God will increase'. It originated as a Spanish and Italian variant of Josephine, later spreading to other European languages. The name has been used in the Spanish-speaking world since at least the 19th century and was particularly popular in the United States during the early 20th century among immigrant communities.
Where Josefina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Josie, Fina, Chepa, Pepa
Variants: Josephina, Giuseppina, Josepha
Sibling names for Josefina
Names that share Josefina's style, for a brother or sister.
