Holding steady.
Popularity of Josphine since 1909
Babies named Josphine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Josphine's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 68 |
| 1920s | 68 |
| 1930s | 27 |
| 1940s | 18 |
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Josphine is a rare respelling of Josephine, a name that has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. since the early 20th century. According to Social Security data, the standard spelling Josephine ranked as high as No. 82 in 1915, but the variant Josphine never entered the top 1000; its first recorded appearance was in 1909, and it peaked in 1912. The trajectory for alternative spellings like this one has been stable but low, reflecting a preference for the traditional form. The name's etymology ties it to the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'God will increase,' which has made it a popular choice across Christian and Jewish communities. Despite its rarity, Josphine offers a distinctive take on a classic name, with the familiar nickname options Jo or Josie making it accessible. Without any recorded top state data, its use appears scattered, appealing to parents seeking a unique but recognizable name.
Josphine is a respelling of Josephine, the French feminine form of Joseph, from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning 'He will add' or 'God will increase.' It gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, often associated with the name's regal and literary history, though the variant 'Josphine' is a less common modern adaptation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Josie, Jojo, Phine
Variants: Josephine, Josefa, Giuseppina
Sibling names for Josphine
Names that share Josphine's style, for a brother or sister.
