Josephine is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the Latin name "Josephus," which means "may God increase" or "God shall add." The name Josephine was popularized by Napoleon Bonaparte, who named his wife Joséphine de Beauharnais after this name.
The name Josephine has been used throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Joséphine de Beauharnais, also known as Empress Joséphine, who was the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. She played a significant role in the French Revolution and was a prominent figure in European politics during the early 19th century.
Another well-known Josephine is Josephine Baker, an American-born French entertainer, dancer, and singer who became famous for her performances in France during the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her exotic dance routines and was a symbol of the jazz age. She was also a civil rights activist and fought against racism throughout her career.
In literature, Josephine is also the name of the main character in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" by Ernest J. Gaines. The novel follows the life of Jane Pittman, who lives to be over 110 years old and is known as "Tante Joey" or Aunt Josephine.
Overall, Josephine is a classic feminine name with a rich history and several notable bearers throughout history. Its meaning, "may God increase," makes it a name that has been popular for centuries and continues to be used today.
The name Josephine experienced significant popularity throughout the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, with a peak of 3980 births in 1912. However, its prevalence declined thereafter, reaching an all-time low of 3056 births in 2020, despite a slight increase to 3347 births in 2023. Overall, Josephine has been given to 323524 newborns over the period covered by these statistics.