Joshua
Peaked at #3 nationally in 2002, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Joshua has been recorded <1% of the time for girls and >99% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Joshua comes from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "the Lord saves." In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the Israelites and led them into the land of Canaan, an account detailed in the Book of Joshua. The name entered English usage through Puritan Bible-naming traditions and has remained popular in the U.S. since the late 20th century.
Notable people & culture
Violinist Joshua Bell and actor Joshua Jackson are among the name's well-known modern bearers. U2's landmark 1987 album "The Joshua Tree" took its name from the distinctive desert plant, itself reportedly named by Mormon settlers after the biblical figure. The name is often shortened informally to Josh.
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Joshua — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#617
in 1986
Current rank
#11545
in 2024
Years tracked
55
1968–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1968, Joshua reached its peak popularity for girls in 1986, ranking #617 nationally with 307 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #7465 (2014) to #11545 (2024) — a 35% drop.
As of 2024, Joshua ranks #11545 nationally for girls, with 8 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #11,545 | 8 |
| 2023 | #14,202 | 6 |
| 2022 | #14,372 | 6 |
| 2020 | #10,654 | 9 |
| 2019 | #10,079 | 10 |
| 2017 | #9,031 | 12 |
| 2016 | #6,766 | 18 |
| 2015 | #6,846 | 18 |
Joshua — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#3
in 2002
Current rank
#57
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Joshua reached its peak popularity for boys in 2002, ranking #3 nationally with 25,997 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #25 (2014) to #57 (2024) — a 56% drop.
As of 2024, Joshua ranks #57 nationally for boys, with 5,244 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #57 | 5,244 |
| 2023 | #60 | 5,064 |
| 2022 | #60 | 5,195 |
| 2021 | #58 | 5,524 |
| 2020 | #53 | 6,011 |
| 2019 | #48 | 6,625 |
| 2018 | #40 | 7,443 |
| 2017 | #38 | 8,344 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — boys' names only.
Common Questions
When was Joshua most popular?
Joshua was most popular in 2002, when it ranked #3 nationally for boys — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Joshua becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Joshua?
At least 1,249,012 babies have been recorded with the name Joshua in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Joshua? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.