Josiah Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Josiah
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name JOSIAH. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Josiah
Gender
Male
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
8
Meaning of the Name - Josiah
Josiah is a masculine Hebrew name meaning 'God heals' or 'supported by God.' It conveys the idea of divine restoration and spiritual healing through faith.
Josiah - Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Saturn
Positive Nature
Ambitious, efficient, realistic, and authoritative.
Negative Traits
Materialistic, stressed, confrontational, and can be overly ambitious.
Lucky Colours
Dark blue, black.
Lucky Days
Saturday.
Lucky Stones
Blue sapphire, amethyst.
Harmony Numbers
2, 4, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Business leaders, managers, financial services, law enforcement.
What People Like About You
Leadership, determination, organizational skills.
Famous People Named Josiah
Josiah of Judah
Biblical King
Righteous king who instituted major religious reforms and rediscovered the Book of the Law
Josiah Wedgwood
Potter and Entrepreneur
Founder of the Wedgwood pottery company and prominent abolitionist
Josiah Bartlett
Physician and Statesman
Signer of the Declaration of Independence and early Governor of New Hampshire
Josiah Willard Gibbs
Physicist and Chemist
Founder of statistical mechanics and vector analysis
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The cultural impact of Josiah extends beyond religious contexts into broader Western culture. The name carries connotations of moral integrity, leadership grounded in principle rather than popularity, and the courage to challenge established systems when they deviate from ethical standards. In African American communities, the name gained particular resonance during and after slavery as parents sought biblical names that conveyed strength, dignity, and divine favor. The enduring appeal of Josiah across centuries and cultures speaks to its powerful association with righteous leadership, spiritual renewal, and the ideal of restoring what has been lost or corrupted.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Josiah are typically perceived as principled, thoughtful, and morally grounded. They tend to exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a deep sense of responsibility and integrity that often earns them respect from an early age. Many Josiahs are known for their analytical minds and methodical approach to problem-solving, frequently serving as stabilizing influences in their communities or workplaces. Their inherent sense of justice and fairness makes them natural advocates for what they believe is right, though this moral certainty can sometimes be perceived as rigidity or inflexibility by others.
The biblical association of the name creates expectations of wisdom beyond years and a commitment to higher principles that guides their decision-making and relationships. Josiahs often demonstrate remarkable perseverance in pursuing their goals and are frequently drawn to roles where they can make a positive impact on their communities. They tend to be deeply loyal to family and friends while maintaining high standards for themselves and others. While they may not be the most spontaneous or adventurous personalities, their reliability, depth of character, and commitment to ethical conduct make them valued members of any social or professional circle. The combination of intellectual rigor and moral conviction typical of many Josiahs often leads them to excel in fields requiring both analytical thinking and ethical judgment.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Josiah has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity since the 1990s, particularly in English-speaking countries and among Christian communities. The name consistently ranks within the top 100 male names in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a traditional biblical name with strong moral connotations that sounds both classic and distinctive. Its popularity reflects a broader trend toward Old Testament names that offer historical depth without sounding overly common. The name maintains particular strength in evangelical Christian circles where the biblical narrative of King Josiah's reforms resonates strongly, while also crossing over to secular usage due to its pleasant phonetic qualities and historical gravitas. Modern usage often involves nicknames like 'Joe,' 'Jo,' or 'Si,' providing flexibility for different contexts and age groups. The name's steady popularity suggests it has transitioned from a primarily religious choice to a mainstream option that conveys tradition, strength, and character.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Josiah represents healing, restoration, and spiritual renewal on both personal and communal levels. The name evokes the concept of divine intervention in human brokenness and the transformative power of returning to foundational principles and values. Like the biblical king who rediscovered the Book of the Law and used it to reform his kingdom, the name symbolizes the rediscovery of lost wisdom and the courage to rebuild according to higher standards. Josiah embodies the ideal of leadership that prioritizes spiritual and moral values over political expediency or popular opinion, representing the conviction that true strength comes from ethical consistency rather than temporal power. The name carries connotations of purification, moral clarity, and the possibility of redemption through returning to one's roots and highest ideals.