Josiah

Josiah is a traditionally masculine name with Hebrew roots. It originated in the Bible; Josiah ruled Judah for three decades, starting at age eight when his father the former king was assassinated. The name Josiah can mean "Jehovah has healed" or "God supports" or variations on "the fire of the Lord" / "the Lord burns." It comes from the Hebrew Yoshiyahu ("Yahu" refers to the Hebrew god).

Looking for a related unusual name with Hebrew or Arabic or Biblical roots? Try Athach, Azarel, Gebal, Jaazah, Joha, Kirioth, Meah, Meraioth, Naaman, Nabal, Pahath, Hammah, Sheber, Tarah, or Tebeth. Or stick in the "J" family with Jeremiah, Judah, Jonah or Jonas.

Josiahs throughout history include potters Josiah Wedgwood and Josiah Spode, poet Josiah Gilbert Holland, photographer Josiah Van Dien, and Josiah Bartlet — who is both a real signer of the Declaration of Independence and the name of the president character on the acclaimed Aaron Sorkin TV show "The West Wing" (he's played by Martin Sheen and supposed to be a direct descendant of the IRL Josiah Bartlet). These days, the historical Josiahs are joined by a shocking amount of TikTok stars, giving you a clue to the name's upshoot in popularity: Josiah Hughes, Josiah Reyes, Josiah Young, and Josiah Bender are all teens who have risen to fame on the platform.

That rise in popularity began in the 1970s, and Josiah has been climbing ever since. Since 2016 it has retained its coveted status, around the 10th most popular "J" name for boys in the United States. Common nicknames include Josie, Joe, Jo, Jojo, Jed, or even Si.

Josiah in quotes:

"Decisions are made by those who show up." — Josiah Bartlet, "The West Wing"

"The heart is wiser than the intellect." — Josiah Gilbert Holland