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Yehoshua

Boy Name #2,149 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

The full Hebrew original of Joshua — and Yeshua — meaning God saves

Jewish Israeli Christian
Spiritual Traditional Strong

Meaning & Origin

"God is salvation, Yahweh saves"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew

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

Greek Iesous (Jesus)
Arabic Yusha
Hebrew Yehoshua
English Joshua
Spanish Josue

Famous People Named Yehoshua

A

A.B. Yehoshua

Writer

1936

Israeli novelist and playwright, one of Israel's most acclaimed literary voices

J

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

Yoshi Shua Yossi

Pairs Well With

Yehoshua Avraham Yehoshua Yitzhak Yehoshua Moshe Yehoshua Dovid Yehoshua Binyamin Yehoshua Reuven Yehoshua Shimon

Sibling Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Yehoshua

What does the name Yehoshua mean?
"God is salvation, Yahweh saves" (from Hebrew). 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.
What is the origin of the name Yehoshua?
Yehoshua has Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, and Christian origins. In Hebrew, it means "God is salvation, Yahweh saves".
Is Yehoshua a boy or girl name?
Yehoshua is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Yehoshua?
Yehoshua is currently ranked #2149 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yehoshua?
Common nicknames for Yehoshua include Yoshi, Shua, and Yossi.
What are good middle names for Yehoshua?
Popular middle name pairings include Yehoshua Avraham, Yehoshua Yitzhak, Yehoshua Moshe, Yehoshua Dovid, Yehoshua Binyamin, Yehoshua Reuven, and Yehoshua Shimon.
What are good sibling names for Yehoshua?
Names that pair well with Yehoshua as siblings include Moshe, Avraham, Miriam, Rivka, Sarah, Leah, and Devora.
How many syllables does Yehoshua have?
Yehoshua has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Yehoshua a common or rare name?
Yehoshua is an uncommon name, ranked #2149 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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.

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