Rising since 1986, #82 for girls today.
Popularity of Josie since 1880
Babies named Josie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,884 |
| 1890s | 2,329 |
| 1900s | 2,118 |
| 1910s | 3,370 |
| 1920s | 4,095 |
| 1930s | 3,464 |
| 1940s | 3,374 |
| 1950s | 2,427 |
| 1960s | 2,060 |
| 1970s | 2,123 |
| 1980s | 2,545 |
| 1990s | 6,039 |
| 2000s | 10,634 |
| 2010s | 13,927 |
| 2020s | 14,981 |
Meaning & origin
Josie is a short form of Josephine that has long since established itself as an independent given name. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and has maintained steady popularity, with a notable upward trajectory since 1986. As of 2025, it is the 82nd most popular name for girls, with a frequency of 1 in every 532 female births, and 2025 marks its peak year to date. Josie is particularly favored in Vermont, Maine, and Wyoming, reflecting its regional appeal. The name's straightforward pronunciation and friendly, approachable sound have made it a lasting choice across generations.
Josie originated as a diminutive of Josephine, which itself is the feminine form of Joseph. The name Joseph comes from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'He will add' or 'God increases.' Josie became an independent given name in the English-speaking world by the 19th century, often used as a nickname that eventually stood on its own. It has remained consistently popular in the United States since the 1880s.
Where Josie 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.
“Josie” around the world
Where Josie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
New Zealand
21
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Jose
Sibling names for Josie
Names that share Josie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Molly, Lily, Mae, Ellie, Sophie, Sadie, Sammie, Dodie, Hallie, Joely, Sallie, Billiejo, Martie, Sudie, Chessie, Daphanie, Deanie, Flonnie, Henny, Steffie, Tish, Halli, Jossie, Lynnie, Venie, Jessel, Bennye, Jozy, Rosielee
Brothers: Jack, Ben, Sam, Charlie, Will, Colton, Stetson, Wyatt, Teddy, Joby, Jobie, Joesiah, Josmar, Jetty, Jushua, Sollie
Names like Josie
Names whose popularity has moved with Josie's over the last 50 years.
