Josephine

French feminine variation of Joseph

"Jehovah increases"

Josephine Origin and Meaning

The name Josephine is a girl's name of French origin meaning "Jehovah increases".

Josephine is the feminine form of Joseph, a name ultimately derived from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning “Jehovah increases.” In French it has an accent over the first E, which was omitted in the English, German, and Dutch translations of the name. Empress Joséphine du Beauharnais was born Marie-Josephe-Rose, but called Josephine by her husband, Napolean Bonaparte.

With its large measure of class and character and a gently offbeat quality, plus an intriguing number of vivacious nicknames, Josephine is a Nameberry favorite.

Josephine Baker (born Freda), the American-French singer, dancer, and civil rights activist, is a potential namesake.

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.

• 89 US 2019
• 55 Nameberry 2021
• 271 England 2019
• 121 Netherlands 2015
• 62 Germany 2020
• 72 2028 2028