Josephine
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What does the baby name Josephine mean? Learn about what Josephine means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Josephine - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Josephine
- J-O-S-E-P-H-I-N-E, is a 9-letter female given name.
- Pronunciation of Josephine
- JO-sə-feen
- JOE zeh feen
- zhoe zey feen
- Meaning of Josephine
- God will add, god will increase, god raises.
- Origin of Josephine
- The name 'Josephine' finds its roots in Hebrew and French. It is a feminine form of the name Joseph, which means 'God will increase' or 'God will add'. The earliest known use of the name 'Josephine' can be traced back to the late 18th century in France. It gained popularity during the Napoleonic era, thanks to Napoleon Bonaparte 's first wife, 'Josephine' de Beauharnais.
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Josephine
- Fifi
- Fifine
- Fina
- Guiseppina
- Jo
- Joline
- Josepha
- Josephina
- Josetta
- Josie
- Popularity of Josephine
- Over time, the popularity of the name 'Josephine' has had its ups and downs. In the early 19th century, it experienced a notable spike in usage due to the influence of Empress 'Josephine'. However, its popularity declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the name, with many parents choosing it for their daughters. It currently ranks among the top 200 names for girls in the United States.
- Josephine currently has 414 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Breanna is slightly more popular than Josephine.
Etymology of Josephine
The name 'Josephine' has a fascinating etymology. The Hebrew name Joseph, from which 'Josephine' is derived, means 'God will increase' or 'God will add'. This name carries a sense of hope and divine blessing. In French, the name 'Josephine' is pronounced 'jo-zeh-FEEN' and is spelled 'Joséphine'. Its French pronunciation adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the name.
Cultural Significance of Josephine
'Josephine' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In French culture, it is associated with elegance, grace, and refinement. 'Josephine' de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, played a significant role in popularizing the name during the Napoleonic era. Her style and influence left an indelible mark on French society, further enhancing the name 's cultural significance.