"God will increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Josefina
Pronunciation: [ y-ohs-ihf-EEN-uh ]
Does Josefina flow with your last name?
A timeless Spanish classic meaning 'God will increase'
Spanish
Portuguese
Latin American
Italian
Swedish
Classic
Elegant
Traditional
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Josefina
Josefina is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine form of José (Joseph), derived from the Hebrew 'Yosef' meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' The name entered Spanish usage through Saint Joseph and has been a cornerstone of Catholic naming traditions for centuries. It carries the grace of the French Joséphine while feeling distinctly Iberian.
Josefina has been a beloved name in Spain and Latin America for centuries. In the United States, it has gained traction among Latino families maintaining cultural heritage. The American Girl doll Josefina Montoya (introduced 1997), set in 1824 New Mexico, introduced the name to a generation of American children.
Josefina honors Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, making it a deeply spiritual name in Catholic tradition. Empress Joséphine of France (born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie) is one of history's most famous bearers of this name, married to Napoleon Bonaparte.
Historical Record
Josefina first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 8,871 babies have been named Josefina in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Josefina is past its peak , currently ranked #2,066 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The American Girl doll Josefina Montoya (introduced 1997) is set in 1824 New Mexico and has been a beloved character for over two decades
- Empress Joséphine (1763-1814), Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, was born Marie Josèphe and is one of history's most glamorous bearers of this name
Josefina in Other Languages
French
Joséphine
English
Josephine
Italian
Giuseppina
Spanish
Josefina
Swedish
Josefina
Portuguese
Josefina
Popularity Over Time
#2,066
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Josefina
J
Josefina Plá
Writer
1903
Paraguayan poet, playwright, and cultural historian considered one of Paraguay's greatest literary figures
E
Empress Joséphine
Royalty
1763
First wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and first Empress of France, known for her wit, style, and political influence
J
Josefina Montoya Fictional
Other
American Girl doll character set in 1824 New Mexico, beloved by generations of American children
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Compare Josefina with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,066
- Total SSA Count
- 93
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Portuguese Latin American Italian Swedish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Josie
Fina
Pepa
Jose
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Josefina
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Josefina is also used as a boy name, ranked #20546.
View Josefina as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Josefina
What does the name Josefina mean?
"God will increase" (from Hebrew). Josefina is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine form of José (Joseph), derived from the Hebrew 'Yosef' meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' The name entered Spanish usage through Saint Joseph and has been a cornerstone of Catholic naming traditions for centuries. It carries the grace of the French Joséphine while feeling distinctly Iberian.
What is the origin of the name Josefina?
Josefina has Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, Italian, and Swedish origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will increase".
Is Josefina a boy or girl name?
Josefina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2066. As a boy name, it is ranked #20546. Josefina is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Josefina?
Josefina is pronounced y-ohs-ihf-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Josefina?
Josefina is currently ranked #2066 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Josefina?
Common nicknames for Josefina include Josie, Fina, Pepa, and Jose.
What are good middle names for Josefina?
Popular middle name pairings include Josefina Maria, Josefina Elena, Josefina Sofia, Josefina Valentina, Josefina Isabel, and Josefina Lucia.
What are good sibling names for Josefina?
Names that pair well with Josefina as siblings include Mateo, Sebastian, Isabella, Miguel, Carmen, and Alejandro.
How many syllables does Josefina have?
Josefina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Josefina a common or rare name?
Josefina is an uncommon name, ranked #2066 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Josefina?
About the Name Josefina
Josefina is a girl name with Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, Italian, and Swedish origins . The name means "God will increase" in Hebrew .
Is Josefina a boy or girl name? Josefina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,066 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,546. Josefina is more commonly used as a girl name.
Josefina is currently ranked #2,066 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Josefina has 4 syllables and is pronounced y-ohs-ihf-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Josefina include Josie, Fina, Pepa, and Jose. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Josefina include Josephine, Joselyn, Josephina, Josette, Josey . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis