Joshua

Joshua is a traditionally masculine name with Hebrew roots. In the Bible, Joshua was selected as Moses' successor to lead the Israelites. The name Joshua means "Jehovah is generous" or "Jehovah saves." It comes from the Hebrew Yehoshua, which means salvation. Other boys names with similar meanings include Elisha, Isaiah, Hoshea, and the Greek name Sotiris.

The name Joshua began increasing in popularity in the U.S. in the 1950s but really started to skyrocket in the '60s and '70s, hitting a peak plateau in 1980 and remaining on the top 10 list for boys for nearly 30 years. It's now been declining in usage since 2010 but remains in the top 50.

Famous Joshuas include singers Josh Groban and Josh Turner, actors Joshua Jackson, Josh Hutcherson, Josh Brolin, Josh Duhamel, and Josh Holloway, violinist Joshua Bell, and don't forget: It's JC Chasez of NSYNC's real name! It's also relatively common as a surname; Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua is a famous professional boxer.

Similar Biblical names for boys include Jacob, Joseph, Jonah, Matthew, Daniel, Nathan, Samuel, Zachary, and David. Or get jazzy with creative "J" names like Jeremiah, Jasper, Jace, Jaco, Jabez, and Jabari. More unusual Hebrew names to try include Abimelech, Azaryah, Hiddai, Machau, Misi, Salamon, Tovi, and Zachaios.

Joshua in quotes:

"Just set yourself a goal and try and stick to it. Because you'll always end up better than where you started." — Anthony Joshua

"No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life." — the book of Joshua