MallowbyNames

Josephina

joh-seh-FEE-nah · God will add or increase, the feminine form of Joseph.

2025 rank (girls)
#1,733
Babies named in 2025
117
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 13,737 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1988

Rising since 1988, #1,733 for girls today.

Popularity of Josephina since 1912

Babies named Josephina per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3979118192019602000Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s41
1920s79
1930s57
1940s87
1950s132
1960s163
1970s196
1980s218
1990s350
2000s627
2010s901
2020s643

Meaning & origin

Josephina is a feminine form of Joseph that has seen a notable resurgence in recent years. After first appearing in U.S. records in 1912, the name declined through much of the 20th century but has been rising steadily since 1988. It reached its peak rank of 1733 in 2023, reflecting a growing appreciation for vintage, elaborate forms of classic names. The name is most popular in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio, suggesting a particular appeal in the Northeast and Midwest. With a current 1-in-13,737 occurrence rate, Josephina remains relatively uncommon but is clearly on an upward trajectory, appealing to parents who want a name with historical depth and a melodic, feminine ending.

Josephina is the Latinized feminine form of Joseph, which comes from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning 'He will add.' It is the Spanish, Italian, and German variant of Josephine. The name Josephina has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often as a more elaborate form of Josephine, and remains popular in Spanish-speaking communities.

Where Josephina is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Josie, Fina, Jo, Jos

Variants: Josephine, Giuseppina, Josefina

Sibling names for Josephina

Names that share Josephina's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Josephina, our favorite little girl.

J is for Josephina…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Josephina's letter becomes Josephina's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Josephina's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Josephina mean?
Josephina means 'God will add' or 'He will increase,' from the Hebrew name Yosef.
How popular is Josephina currently?
As of 2025, Josephina ranks 1733 in the U.S., with about 1 in every 13,737 baby girls given the name.
Is Josephina a boy or girl name?
Josephina is a feminine name, typically used for girls.