Josephine is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the masculine name Joseph, which means "God will increase" or "God shall add". The suffix "-ine" denotes femininity, making Josephine a feminine form of Joseph.
The name Josephine has been popular throughout history and continues to be so today. In ancient times, it was often associated with royalty, as several queens bore this name. One notable example is Queen Josephine of Sweden (1825-1913), who was known for her intelligence and cultural influence on the country.
In more recent history, Josephine Baker, an American-born French entertainer, became famous during the Jazz Age in the 1920s and 1930s. She was renowned for her musical talent and dance performances, which brought attention to the cause of racial equality both in France and around the world.
Today, Josephine remains a popular choice among parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters. Its timeless elegance and rich historical heritage continue to attract admirers from various cultures and backgrounds.
The name Josephine has a rich history of usage in the United States, with records dating back to the late 19th century. Between 1885 and 2023, there have been a total of 991 births registered with the name Josephine.
From 1885 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Josephine varied significantly. In the early years, the numbers were relatively low, with only six births in 1885 and five births in 1888. However, by the turn of the century, we started to see an increase in the popularity of the name Josephine.
The year 1903 marked a significant turning point with twelve births, which was the highest number recorded up until that point. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with peaks in 1914 (seventeen births) and 1918 (twenty-seven births).
The period between 1925 and 1932 saw another surge in popularity for the name Josephine, with a consistent high number of births each year. The peak during this time was in 1932 with thirty-seven births.
After World War II, there was a noticeable decline in the usage of the name Josephine. Between 1946 and 1988, the numbers fluctuated between six and twenty births per year, indicating that the name had fallen out of favor.
However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Josephine. In 2023, there were five recorded births with this name, showing that classic names can continue to appeal to parents even centuries after they first became popular.