Josephine

With its large measure of class and character and a gently offbeat quality, plus an intriguing number of vivacious nicknames, it's no wonder Josephine is a Nameberry favorite and climbing up the national ladder as well, now at Number 160.

There have been many interesting and provocative Josephines in the past to look to: Empress Josephine Bonaparte (born Marie-Josephe-Rose and called Josephine by husband Napoleon,) and exotic singer-dancer Josephine Baker (born Freda), to name just a couple.

Some of the Josephines in literature and recent pop culture are known by their nicknames--the admirably headstrong Jo in Little Women, Joey Potter (played by Katie Holmes) in Dawson's Creek and Josie of Josie and the Pussycats. In Some Like it Hot, Josephine was the nom de femme of Tony Curtis.

Josephines have been the subjects of countless songs, performed by artists ranging from Fats Domino to Tori Amos to the Black Crowes.