Watercolor Josiah Name Tattoo Design
A dreamy watercolor tattoo concept where Josiah appears as flowing, paint-like lettering blending with soft washes of color.
Josiah means the Lord supports; a name of faith and care.
JOSIAH is a Hebrew biblical name commonly understood to mean “the Lord supports” or “Yahweh heals,” symbolizing faith, renewal, and divine guidance. This page explores its meaning, origin, gender usage, popularity trends, and related names.
The name Josiah carries a deeply spiritual significance rooted in the Hebrew Bible, most commonly interpreted as “the Lord supports” or “the Lord heals.” These meanings reflect themes of support, healing, faith, and divine guidance, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name that expresses trust, devotion, and spiritual strength in their child’s identity.
/dʒoʊˈsaɪ.ə/ - יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ
joe-SIGH-uh
With origins in ancient Israel, Josiah comes from the Hebrew name Yoshiyyahu, meaning “Yahweh supports.” It is strongly associated with Hebrew scripture, especially King Josiah of Judah, remembered as a reforming monarch who restored proper worship. Over centuries, the name spread into Christian traditions in Europe and the Americas, carried by religious revivals and English-language Bible translations.
A dreamy watercolor tattoo concept where Josiah appears as flowing, paint-like lettering blending with soft washes of color.
A surreal tattoo design where Josiah transforms into dreamlike shapes and structures, merging text and artwork.
A refined Luminara Script tattoo concept where Josiah appears in ultra-delicate cursive intertwined with ornamental linework and subtle dotwork.
While traditionally recognized as a masculine given name, Josiah is occasionally adapted in modern contexts as a creative option beyond strictly male use. In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, it is overwhelmingly used for boys, but some parents globally experiment with it for girls or in gender-neutral naming trends, inspired by its melodic sound and strong spiritual associations.
In recent decades, Josiah has risen steadily in popularity, especially in the United States, where it has become a Top 100 boy name. Its growth is fueled by interest in biblical and vintage-sounding names. The name also appears with moderate but increasing frequency in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Africa, reflecting global appreciation for its timeless, faith-linked character.
Globally, the name Josiah is most common in English-speaking nations like United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, but it is also heard in Nigeria, South Africa, and other regions influenced by biblical traditions. Pronunciation typically follows “jo-SIGH-uh,” though accents and languages may slightly alter vowels while preserving its recognizable three-syllable rhythm.
Usage and gender distribution of the name Josiah across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.
Gender and popularity analysis by country is based on data from Gender API.
A biblical Hebrew name meaning Yahweh is salvation, sharing a similar rhythm and spiritual tone.
Another prophetic name meaning Yahweh exalts, popular in many Christian communities.
Derived from a Hebrew word meaning dove, symbolizing peace and gentleness.
A unisex biblical name meaning who is like God? with a soft, modern sound.
A classic Hebrew name meaning my God is Yahweh, widely used across the English-speaking world.
An older or variant form linked to the same root meaning Yahweh supports or Yahweh heals.
A concise, stylish name meaning help or helper from Hebrew scripture.
Often a diminutive of Josephine or Joseph, associated with meanings like Yahweh increases.
A rare biblical name meaning beloved of the Lord, sharing the -iah ending.
A strong, historical name meaning Yahweh comforts, with a similar faithful resonance.
Often associated with a strong sense of spiritual or moral conviction.
Tends to show empathy and care for others’ well-being.
Perseveres through challenges with quiet strength.
Linked to thoughtful decision-making and maturity beyond years.
Combines leadership ability with modesty and integrity.
Roles that involve listening, guidance, and emotional support.
Sharing knowledge and shaping minds in educational settings.
Working in nonprofits, ministry, or local government.
Supporting healing as a doctor, nurse, or allied health worker.
Exploring ideas and values through research or literature.
Josiah was a renowned king of Judah known for religious reforms.
Once rare in modern times, the name has surged back with the revival of Old Testament names.
Frequently appears in sermons, devotionals, and Christian literature as a symbol of renewal.
Variants like Josia and Josias appear in some cultures and older texts.
Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Josiah.
Josiah is a Hebrew name commonly interpreted as ‘the Lord supports’ or ‘the Lord heals,’ carrying themes of support, healing, faith, and spiritual strength.
Josiah originates from the Hebrew name Yoshiyyahu, meaning ‘Yahweh supports.’ It is best known from the Bible, particularly King Josiah of Judah, a reforming ruler in the Old Testament.
Josiah is traditionally a masculine (boy) name, especially in English-speaking countries, though some parents may use it creatively in gender-neutral or non-traditional contexts.
Josiah has risen significantly in popularity over recent decades, ranking within the Top 100 boy names in the United States and appearing with growing frequency in other English-speaking and biblically influenced countries.
Josiah is typically pronounced as ‘joe-SIGH-uh,’ with the stress on the second syllable. In IPA, it is /dʒoʊˈsaɪ.ə/.
Names similar to Josiah include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Micah, Elijah, Josias, Ezra, Josie, Jedidiah, and Nehemiah, many of which share Hebrew roots or the -iah ending.