"may Yahweh give increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Josi
Josi is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "may Yahweh give increase." Ranked #6,355 in the US, popular nicknames include Jo and Josi.
Sweet, spirited, and full of vintage charm
English
American
European
Playful
Whimsical
Vintage
Gentle
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Josi
Josi is a variant spelling of Josie, which is itself a diminutive of Josephine and Josefa, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases.' The name traces back to Joseph, son of Jacob in the Old Testament — one of the most beloved patriarchs. The diminutive '-ie/-i' ending transforms the formal Josephine into a warm, approachable nickname. The 'i' spelling (Josi) gives it a modern, slightly Continental flair.
Josie has surged in popularity in the 2010s-2020s as part of the broader revival of sweet, vintage diminutive names — alongside Rosie, Millie, Ellie, and Lottie. The 'i' spelling Josi appeals to parents who want a slightly fresher look. It's particularly beloved in the UK and Australia. The name received cultural boosts from characters in TV shows and children's media.
Josie/Josi carries the warmth of the beloved Jo archetype in English literature and culture — the independent, spirited female protagonist. Jo March from Little Women and variations of the name have made Josie synonymous with plucky, charming femininity across the English-speaking world.
Historical Record
Josi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1959.
Over 1,046 babies have been named Josi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Josi is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,355 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Josie and the Pussycats (1970 cartoon and 2001 film) made Josie a pop culture staple
- The name Joseph/Josephine appears over 200 times in the Bible, making it one of the most attested biblical names
- Josie is among the top 100 girls' names in England, Wales, and Australia
Josi in Other Languages
French
Joséphine (formal)
German
Josie
Hebrew
יוֹסֵף (Yosef, masculine root)
Italian
Giuseppina (formal)
Spanish
Josefa
Popularity Over Time
#6,355
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Josi
J
Josie Bissett
Actor
1970
American actress known for her role as Jane Mancini in the TV drama Melrose Place
J
Josie Pussycats Fictional
Entertainer
The fictional lead character of 'Josie and the Pussycats,' the iconic 1970 Hanna-Barbera animated series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,355
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- English American European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jo
Josi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Josi
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Josi
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Frequently Asked Questions About Josi
What does the name Josi mean?
"may Yahweh give increase" (from Hebrew). Josi is a variant spelling of Josie, which is itself a diminutive of Josephine and Josefa, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases.' The name traces back to Joseph, son of Jacob in the Old Testament — one of the most beloved patriarchs. The diminutive '-ie/-i' ending transforms the formal Josephine into a warm, approachable nickname. The 'i' spelling (Josi) gives it a modern, slightly Continental flair.
What is the origin of the name Josi?
Josi has Hebrew, English, American, and European origins. In Hebrew, it means "may Yahweh give increase".
Is Josi a boy or girl name?
Josi is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Josi?
Josi is currently ranked #6355 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Josi?
Common nicknames for Josi include Josi.
What are good middle names for Josi?
Popular middle name pairings include Josi Mae, Josi Anne, Josi Rose, Josi Grace, Josi Lynn, Josi Claire, and Josi Belle.
What are good sibling names for Josi?
Names that pair well with Josi as siblings include Rosie, Ellie, Millie, Hattie, Lottie, Archie, and Freddie.
How many syllables does Josi have?
Josi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Josi a common or rare name?
Josi is an uncommon name, ranked #6355 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Josi?
About the Name Josi
Josi is a girl name with English, American, and European origins . The name means "may Yahweh give increase" in Hebrew .
Josi is currently ranked #6,355 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Josi has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Josi include Jo and Josi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Josi include Josephine, Josie, Joselyn, Josephina, Josefina . 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