"God is salvation, Yahweh saves"
Yehoshua
The full Hebrew original of Joshua — and Yeshua — meaning God saves
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Yehoshua
Yehoshua is the original, full Hebrew form of the name that became Joshua in English and Jesus in Greek/Latin (via Yeshua, a later contracted form). It combines the Hebrew elements yeho (a short form of YHWH, the divine name) and shua (salvation, help), meaning Yahweh saves or God is salvation. Moses gave this name to his successor, originally called Hoshea (salvation), adding the divine prefix to create Yehoshua.
Yehoshua is used consistently in Orthodox and traditional Jewish communities in Israel and the diaspora as the fully realized Hebrew form of Joshua. Parents who want to honor biblical heritage while avoiding the anglicized Joshua often choose this form.
Yehoshua (Joshua) was Moses's chosen successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land after 40 years in the desert. He is one of the most significant leaders in the Hebrew Bible. The name also carries the profound connection to Yeshua (Jesus) in Christianity, making it one of the most historically significant names in Western religion.
Fun Facts
- Yehoshua is the original Hebrew form of both Joshua (Old Testament leader) and Jesus (via Yeshua, the Aramaic contraction)
- Moses renamed his aide Hoshea (salvation) to Yehoshua by adding the divine prefix, a significant act in the Torah
- The name has been continuously used in Jewish communities for over 3,000 years
Yehoshua in Other Languages
Famous People Named Yehoshua
A.B. Yehoshua
Writer
1936
Israeli novelist and playwright, one of Israel's most acclaimed literary voices
Joshua (biblical leader)
Religious
Moses's successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, central figure in the Book of Joshua
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,149
- Total SSA Count
- 69
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Christian
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yehoshua
What does the name Yehoshua mean?
What is the origin of the name Yehoshua?
Is Yehoshua a boy or girl name?
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What are common nicknames for Yehoshua?
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How many syllables does Yehoshua have?
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About the Name Yehoshua
Yehoshua is a boy name with Jewish, Israeli, and Christian origins . The name means "God is salvation, Yahweh saves" in Hebrew .
Yehoshua is currently ranked #2,149 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yehoshua has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Yehoshua include Yoshi, Shua, and Yossi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.