Gender:

Male

Meaning:

‘Yahweh is salvation’ (from Hebrew: Yehoshu’a)

History & etymology:

Joshua stems from the Hebrew name Yehoshu’a, which means ‘Yahweh is salvation’. Interestingly, the ancient Aramaic short form of Yehoshu’a was Yeshu’a, from which stems the name Jesus. So, the names Joshua and Jesus are related.

In England, the name came into common use in the 17th century.

The patron saint of the name is St. Joshua. His life is described in the Old Testament, in the Book of Joshua. Joshua was Moses’s companion and one of twelve spies sent by him to the land of Canaan. By the order of God, Moses designated Joshua as the leader of Israelites; his mission was to conquer the promised land and, indeed, he is remembered for his victories in Jericho, Ai etc.

Alternative spellings & nicknames:

Josh

Similar names in other languages & name days:

Estonia
14th July: Joosua

France
1st September: Jossué

Greece
1st September: Joshua

Spain
1st January: Jesús

USA
1st September: Josh, Joshua

Famous people named Joshua:

Joshua Allen (1989-) - American dancer
Joshua Bell (1967-) - American violinist
Joshua Brooks (1999-) - Welsh pop singer
Joshua Colley (2002) - American stage actor
Joshua Duggar (1988-) - American reality show star
Joshua Hoffman (1999-) - American actor
Joshua Hong (1995-) - Korean-American singer
Joshua Jackson (1978-) - Canadian actor
Joshua Kennedy (1982-) - Australian soccer player
Joshua Kimmich (1995-) - German soccer player
Joshua Lester (2006-) - English actor
Joshua Malina (1966-) - American actor
Joshua Moore (1989-) - American guitarist
Joshua Morrow (1974-) - American actor
Joshua Osei (1987-) - English actor
Joshua Price (2002-) - American dancer
Joshua Rush (2001-) - American actor
Joshua Tan (1990-) - Australian actor
Joshua Woodard (1986-) - American bassist

Fun facts:

Popularity (2015)

USA: 33rd
England and Wales: 16th
Canada: 52nd     
Australia: 15th
New Zealand: 26th
Northern Ireland: 18th     
Ireland: 47th      
Scotland: 30th

Lucky colors: violet, red, blue, black
Lucky stone: Black Onyx
Ruling planet: Saturn
Characteristics: individualistic, insightful, mature, perceptive, wise