Josephine: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced JOH-suh-feen · 3 syllables
Josephine means “God will increase”, from Hebrew and French.
From French Josephine, diminutive of Josephe, feminine form of Joseph. By surface analysis, Joseph + -ine. Popularized in English by Josephine Bonaparte, the empress of Napoleonic France.
- Meaning
- God will increase
- Origin
- Hebrew, French
- Pronunciation
- JOH-suh-feen
- US rank (2025)
- #53
- US babies a year
- about 3,585 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1900
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Classic
- Nicknames
- Josie, Jo
How popular is Josephine?
Josephine was the #53 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,126 babies. It’s rising: up 71% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1900.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #53 |
| England & Wales | #267 |
| Scotland | #370 |
| Ireland | #471 |
| France | #103 |
| Norway | #237 |
| Canada | #116 |
| Australia | #239 |
How old are people named Josephine?
Half of US adults named Josephine are older than 63; most are between 20 and 90. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Josephine
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- Classic girl names
- Vintage girl names
- Comeback girl names
- Rising girl names
- Hebrew girl names
- French girl names
Questions about Josephine
What does the name Josephine mean?
Josephine means “God will increase”. It comes from Hebrew and French.
How do you pronounce Josephine?
Josephine is pronounced JOH-suh-feen.
How popular is the name Josephine?
Josephine was the #53 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,126 babies. It’s rising: up 71% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1900.
How old are people named Josephine?
Half of US adults named Josephine are older than 63. Most are between 20 and 90.