Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin that means ‘God is deliverance’ or ‘the Lord is my salvation’. Originally ‘Yehoshua’, the name has come to emphasize a connection with the concept of salvation and the belief in God as the source of deliverance and protection.
Joshua was a key figure in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses in the Old Testament. The name’s strong biblical connection reflects the acknowledgment that salvation is reliant on the guidance and protection of God.
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Name Meaning: God is deliverance
- Pronunciation: JOH-shoo-uh
- Gender: most often used as a boy’s name
How Popular is the Name Joshua?
Joshua is very popular in America and across the world. It’s been on America’s Top 100 boys’ name list since the 70s and even managed to reach the top 10 and stay there for 30 years. The biblical boy’s name also made its way to the top 5 boys’ names in America for 25 years and has continued to stay popular since.
Name Variations
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Josua | Jehovah is salvation | Hebrew |
| Yehoshua | God is deliverance | Hebrew |
| Joaquin | Established by God | Portuguese |
| Jacob | Supplanter | Hebrew |
| Matthew | Gift of God | Hebrew |
| Daniel | God is my judge | Hebrew |
| David | Beloved | Hebrew |
Other Hebrew Boy Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Gabriel | God is my strength |
| Ezekiel | To strengthen |
| Amos | Born to God |
| Malachi | My messenger |
| Noah | Rest |
| Levi | Attached to me |
Alternative Boys’ Names Starting with ‘J’
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| James | Supplanter | Latin |
| Jack | God is gracious | English |
| John | God is gracious | Hebrew |
| Joel | The lord is God | Hebrew |
| Jackson | Son of Jack | Old English |
| Jake | Supplanter | Hebrew |
| Jason | Healer | Greek |
Famous People Named Joshua
- Joshua Jackson – American Canadian actor
- Joshua Bell – American violinist
- Josh Peck – American actor
- Josh Gad – American actor
- Joshua Dallas – American actor
- Josh Beckett – Former major league baseball pitcher