Joshu
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 96 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 96 babies have been named Joshu in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
Joshu is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Joshu is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a variant spelling of Joshua — from the Hebrew Yehoshua, meaning 'God is salvation.' Joshua was one of Moses' successors who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, giving the name enduring biblical significance.
The Joshu spelling gives a slightly more open, informal feel compared to the traditional Joshua, appealing to parents who love the name's meaning but want a fresher look.
EtymologyShow more
Joshu first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1971. First appearing in the 1970s, Joshu emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Joshu has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1971.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 20 | #7646 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 55 | #5327 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 21 | #4590 | — |
The Story of Joshu
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1988, Joshu is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Joshu are most likely born between 1978 and 1994.
How rare is Joshu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Joshu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1971, peaked in the 1980s with 55 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Joshu by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(13 years, 1971–1994)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 7 | #7337 |
| 1993 | 8 | #6519 |
| 1992 | 5 | #9082 |
| 1989 | 9 | #5379 |
| 1988 | 10 | #4599 |
| 1987 | 6 | #6515 |
| 1986 | 7 | #5629 |
| 1985 | 9 | #4505 |
| 1983 | 6 | #5859 |
| 1982 | 8 | #4804 |
| 1979 | 7 | #5101 |
| 1974 | 8 | #4010 |
| 1971 | 6 | #4658 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joshu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Joshu most popular?
How popular is the name Joshu?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1971–1994