Josephine is a feminine given name of French origin and Latin roots. It means "Jehovah increases," which refers to God's blessing. The name is derived from the Hebrew name "Oshea," meaning "God saves." Josephine is often associated with the French Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, who was the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. However, its use as a given name predates her by centuries. In France, it has been traditionally used since the Middle Ages and gained popularity in other European countries during the 19th century. Today, Josephine remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Josephine in the United States from 1908 to 2013. Over this period of time, there were a total of 628 babies named Josephine.
Looking at the data, we can see that the popularity of the name Josephine fluctuated over the years. The name was most popular during the early 1920s, with a peak of 23 births in 1922 and 21 births in 1923. This high point is followed by a steady decline throughout the rest of the decade.
From the late 1920s to the early 1940s, the number of babies named Josephine remained relatively stable, ranging from 8 to 23 births per year. However, after World War II, the popularity of the name began to decrease significantly. Between 1946 and 2013, there were fewer than 15 births with the name Josephine in any given year.
It is interesting to note that even though the name Josephine has not been particularly popular in recent decades, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the century, with at least five babies being named Josephine each year between 1908 and 2013. This suggests that the name has remained appealing to some parents despite its waning popularity.
In conclusion, while Josephine was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has since declined significantly. However, it is still chosen for a small number of babies each year, indicating that there continues to be an appreciation for this classic name.