Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Joshua.
National Rank (2025)
#66
All-Time Peak Rank
#3 (2002)
Total U.S. Births
1,248,929
Unisex Distribution99.6% Boy / 0.4% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Joshua Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Joshua
According to SSA data, Joshua achieved its highest historical rank of #3 in 2002. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1989 with 44,100 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 51.5%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Joshua scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-51.5% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record44,100Births in 1989
Years in Top 100
55yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:465
1890s:287
1900s:243
1910s:926
1920s:1,143
1930s:948
1940s:1,156
1950s:2,221
1960s:5,326
1970s:140,318
1980s:396,524
1990s:329,192
2000s:232,053
2010s:106,273
2020s:31,854
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesJos-h-ua
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 25.7% of SSA names. Starts with J, a letter used by only 7.8% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Joshua? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics