Josh

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ

• Gender: Male
• Origin: Biblical English
• Meaning: God is salvation

• Josh is the easygoing, approachable form of Joshua, the fearless leader who took over from Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. That is a monumental origin story for a name that somehow manages to feel like your friendliest neighbor. Its meaning, "God is salvation," carries real spiritual weight, but the name itself has always radiated warmth and accessibility above all.

  Few names manage to feel perpetually young and friendly no matter who carries them, but this one pulls it off effortlessly. From Josh Groban's soaring vocals to Josh Gad's scene-stealing comedy, the name has no shortage of famous Jewish bearers keeping it in the spotlight. It works brilliantly as a standalone for parents who prefer a casual, modern vibe over the full formality of Joshua — all the biblical backbone, none of the ceremony.

• Hebrew Equivalent:
  Yehoshua
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Hannah
  ,
  Ruth
  ,
  Simon
  ,
  Noah
• Theme: God