Hosanna is a unique and biblical name with Hebrew origins that has gained popularity in recent years as a given name for both boys and girls. The name Hosanna comes from the Hebrew phrase " hosha' na", which means "save, now" or "please save". It is derived from the imperative form of the Hebrew verb "hoshia'" meaning "to save".
In the New Testament of the Bible, Hosanna is used as a call to Jesus during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9 and Mark 11:9-10). This event is known as Palm Sunday, where people laid down palm branches and their cloaks on the road, shouting "Hosanna" in honor of Jesus. This usage has made Hosanna a name that is associated with Christianity.
Historically, Hosanna was used as an exclamation of joy or praise for God's saving acts. It was also used as a cry for salvation from enemies and calamities. In Jewish tradition, the phrase "Hosanna" is part of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) that are recited during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
As a given name, Hosanna has been used in different cultures and languages throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a male name in England, while in the late 20th century, it gained popularity as a female name in English-speaking countries.
Today, Hosanna is considered an alternative spelling to Osanna, which is also derived from the Hebrew phrase "hosha' na". Both names have a unique and biblical sound that appeals to those who want their child's name to have religious or historical significance. Overall, Hosanna is a name with deep roots in history and religion, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
The name Hosanna has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the 1970s, there were an average of 6 to 7 births per year with this name. However, starting from the 1990s, there was a noticeable rise in its usage, with the number of births reaching double digits.
In the year 2000, Hosanna was given to 26 newborn girls, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued throughout the early 2000s, with the number of births fluctuating between 19 and 37 annually.
The name gained further popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with more than 50 births each year from 2009 onwards. The highest point was reached in 2020, with an impressive total of 100 births. This demonstrates a consistent growth trend over recent years.
In total, between 1972 and 2023, there have been 1592 babies named Hosanna born in the United States. This upward trajectory indicates that this name has established itself as a popular choice among parents in the U.S., with its popularity showing no signs of waning anytime soon.