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Name meaning & originJoshua יְהוֹשֻׁעַ

/JOSH-oo-ah/

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Joshua is a Hebrew boy's name pronounced /JOSH-oo-ah/. The name Joshua literally translates to 'Yahweh is salvation' or 'God is my help'.

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Meaning of Joshua

The name Joshua literally translates to 'Yahweh is salvation' or 'God is my help'.

It is derived from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, combining the roots 'Yeho' (referring to the Tetragrammaton) and 'yasha' (to save). In the Old Testament, Joshua was chosen by Moses to succeed him as the leader of the Israelites. The name Jesus is the Greek transliteration of the same Aramaic/Hebrew name.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/JOSH-oo-ah/

Cultural background

Joshua has been a consistently popular name in English-speaking countries since the 1970s and remains a staple in Christian and Jewish communities.

Variations & nicknames

  • Josh
  • Josué
  • Giosuè
  • Jozua
  • Joshua
  • Yehoshua

Famous people named Joshua

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Joshua

    Biblical leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses

    Religion · 13th Century BCE

  • Joshua Reynolds

    Influential English painter and founder of the Royal Academy

    Art · 18th Century

  • Joshua Bell

    Grammy Award-winning American violinist and conductor

    Music · Modern

  • Joshua Jackson

    Canadian-American actor known for Dawson's Creek and Fringe

    Film · Modern

  • Joshua Cheptegei

    Ugandan long-distance runner and world record holder

    Sport · Modern

Frequently asked about Joshua

Is Joshua a biblical name?
Yes, it is a prominent biblical name belonging to the figure who led the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Are Joshua and Jesus the same name?
Yes, both names derive from the same Hebrew root 'Yehoshua'; Jesus is the Greek form, while Joshua is the English transliteration of the Hebrew.
What are common nicknames for Joshua?
The most common nickname is Josh, though some families use 'Joshi' or 'JP' if there is a middle name starting with P.

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