Joshua

Joshua was a Top 10 name from 1983 until last year, now ranking at Number 14, but still with more than 13,000 little Joshuas entering the already crowded Josh World in 2011, which would make it tough for any new Joshua to stand out from the crowd. Joshua retains its popularity because it manages to present a relaxed, attractive image, with a bit of the old West mixed in with its biblical persona.

An important figure in the Old Testament, Joshua was the successor to Moses who finally led the Israelites, after many battles, into the Promised Land, inspiring the rousing hymn "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho".

Joshua's soft-sounding middle and vowel ending make it one of the new gentle boys' names, joining Biblical brothers Noah and Asher. If you like Joshua but want something more distinctive, you might consider Josiah or Jasper.