Josiah is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God supports." It is derived from the Hebrew name Yoshiya, which is composed of the elements "Yah" meaning "God," and "shua" meaning "support." Josiah was a king of Judah in the seventh century BCE who is remembered for his religious reforms. He ascended to the throne at the age of eight and ruled for thirty-one years. During his reign, he centralized worship of God in Jerusalem and destroyed idols throughout the land. Despite his young age when he became king, Josiah was known for his wisdom and courage. Today, Josiah is still considered a significant figure in Jewish history and is remembered as a model of piety and devotion to God. The name Josiah has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among families with religious ties to Judaism or Christianity. It is often used as a middle name but can also be given as a first name. Overall, the name Josiah is associated with strength, faith, and righteousness, reflecting its historical and biblical roots.
Statistics show that the name Josiah has been used relatively infrequently in the United States, with only five babies given this name in 2016 out of a total of approximately four million births that year. This places Josiah among the less common names for boys in recent years. However, it's important to note that even with such low numbers, each child named Josiah is unique and special, and their birth contributes to the rich tapestry of diversity in American society. Additionally, trends in baby naming can change over time, so we may see an increase or decrease in the popularity of the name Josiah in future years.