Josiah
/dʒoʊˈzaɪə/noun
A masculine given name of Hebrew origin, borne by a king of Judah in the Hebrew Bible.
Did you know?The biblical King Josiah became famous for reforms after a long-lost book of religious law was reportedly discovered during repairs to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Etymological Timeline
Iron Age Hebrew
Hebrew
יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yōʾšiyyāhū)
“A personal name generally interpreted as “Yahweh supports” or “Yahweh heals,” combining a divine name with a verb related to support or healing.”
3rd–2nd Century BCE
Greek
Ἰωσίας (Iōsias)
“The Greek form of the Hebrew name, used in the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Iosias
“The Latin biblical form of the name.”
Old English
Old English
Iosias
“The name as transmitted in early English biblical and Christian writing.”
Middle English
English
Josias / Josiah
“Medieval English forms influenced by Latin biblical tradition.”
Modern English
English
Josiah
“A traditional masculine given name, especially associated with the biblical king of Judah.”