Holding steady.
Popularity of Josha since 1971
Babies named Josha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 9 | 72 |
| 1980s | 12 | 207 |
| 1990s | 7 | 122 |
| 2000s | 0 | 25 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Josha is a concise short form of Joshua, a name with deep biblical roots. The name Joshua itself has been among the most popular in the U.S. for decades, but its variant Josha has remained exceptionally rare. Records show it was first given to boys in 1971, and its highest recorded usage came in 1982, though even then it did not break into national rankings. In recent years, its trajectory has been stable, reflecting very low but consistent use. With a one-in-N figure too small to calculate, Josha is an uncommon choice that retains the familiar sound of a classic name.
Josha is a modern short form of Joshua, which derives from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'. Joshua was a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, leading the Israelites into Canaan. The short form Josha emerged in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a casual variant.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Joey
Variants: Josh
Sibling names for Josha
Names that share Josha's style, for a brother or sister.
