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Josephine First Name Meaning

Josephine is a female name of French origin, meaning "God Will Increase." It is the English version of the French name Joséphine, which is a female variant of the name Joseph. The name Josephine ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he shall add/grow." Originally a diminutive form of the French name Josèphe, Joséphine gained popularity in the 19th century and replaced the rare name Josèphe. Variations of Josephine include Fifi, Jo, Josie, Joetta, and Jojo. Other language variants include Josefina, Iosiphina, and Seosaimhín. The name's popularity rose due to the influence of Joséphine de Beauharnais, who became Napoleon's wife and Empress of the French. Famous bearers of the name include Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais and Josephine Baker. Additionally, Josephine is a character in literature and entertainment, appearing in works such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Little Women."

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Josephine first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Josephine first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Josephine first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker

Freda Josephine Baker, also known as Joséphine Baker, was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. She began working as a live-in domestic for white families at the age of eight to support her family. Despite facing abuse and adversity, she showed resilience and determination. Baker's rise to fame came primarily in Europe, especially in France, where she became the first black woman to star in a major motion picture. Her iconic performance in the 1927 revue at the Folies Bergère in Paris, wearing a costume made of artificial bananas, became a symbol of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties. Baker's contributions extended beyond her entertainment career; she aided the French Resistance during World War II and was involved in the civil rights movement. Renouncing her U.S. citizenship, she became a French national and adopted 12 children, whom she referred to as the Rainbow Tribe. Baker's legacy continues to be celebrated, and in 2021, she was posthumously inducted into the Panthéon in Paris, making her the first black woman to receive this honor. Her impact on the arts, activism, and cultural representation remains significant, solidifying her place as a pioneering figure in history.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Josephine Langford
Josephine Langford

Josephine Eliza Langford, born on August 18, 1997, is an Australian actress best known for her lead role as Tessa Young in the After film series. Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, she developed an interest in music at a young age, playing various instruments and even winning a music competition at just 10 years old. Langford's acting journey began at 13, and she made her screen debut in the indie film Pulse in 2017. Her breakthrough came with the role of Tessa Young in the film After, which garnered her a Teen Choice Award. Subsequently, she reprised her role in the film's sequels and appeared in other projects such as Moxie and Into the Dark. With a successful career in both film and television, Josephine Langford continues to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Josephine Earp
Josephine Earp

Josephine Sarah "Sadie" Earp (née Marcus; 1861 – December 19, 1944) was the common-law wife of Wyatt Earp, a famed Old West lawman and gambler. Born in New York to a Prussian Jewish family, Josephine's early life in San Francisco was marked by hardship as her father struggled to find work. At a young age, she sought adventure in Arizona, where she lived under the name Sadie Mansfield, possibly working as a prostitute. Her life in the Arizona Territory remained private, and she later moved to Tombstone, where she met Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan before eventually leaving him and joining Wyatt Earp. Josephine and Wyatt led a nomadic life, moving from one boomtown to another, and eventually settling in Vidal, California. After Wyatt's death, Josephine continued to live in California, forming relationships with early cowboy actors. Josephine's life and her relationship with Wyatt were brought to public attention through the publication of "I Married Wyatt Earp," but the accuracy of the book was later called into question. Despite the uncertainties surrounding her early years, Josephine remains a fascinating figure of the Old West, known for her enduring companionship with Wyatt Earp until his passing.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Josephine Bakhita
Josephine Bakhita

Josephine Margaret Bakhita, also known as جوزفين بخيتة, was a Sudanese Catholic religious sister who overcame the horrors of slavery to become a symbol of resilience and faith. Born around 1869 in Darfur, she was abducted by Arab slave traders at the age of 7-8 and endured years of suffering, forced labor, and physical abuse. Eventually, she was bought by the Italian Vice Consul Callisto Legnani and taken to Italy, where she found freedom. Bakhita's remarkable journey led her to embrace Catholicism and join the Canossian Sisters, dedicating herself to serving others for 50 years until her passing in 1947. In recognition of her unwavering spirit and devotion, she was canonized as a saint in 2000, becoming the first female black Catholic saint in the modern era. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of faith, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Josephine Cochrane
Josephine Cochrane

Josephine Cochran, also known as Josephine Cochrane, was an American inventor born on March 8, 1839, in Ashtabula County, Ohio. She is renowned for inventing the first successful hand-powered dishwasher. After facing financial difficulties following her husband's death, Cochrane was inspired to create an innovation that would not only sustain her financially but also relieve tired housewives from the duty of washing dishes. In 1886, she obtained a patent for her invention, and subsequently founded the Garis-Cochrane Manufacturing Company to manufacture her dishwashing machines. Cochrane's dishwasher, which utilized water pressure instead of scrubbers to clean dishes, was showcased at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, where it garnered significant interest. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a female innovator, she persevered and succeeded in bringing her invention to market. Cochrane's pioneering work in the field of dishwashing machines earned her posthumous induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of inventors and entrepreneurs.

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