Josefina is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Hebrew name "Yosef," which means "he will add." It is also associated with the Latin word "jos," meaning "to increase" or "to augment." The name Josefina is traditionally given to girls and has been popular in Spain for centuries.
The history of the name Josefina can be traced back to ancient Hebrew culture, where it was first used as a male name. It was later adopted by Spanish-speaking cultures, where it became more commonly associated with females. In some cases, Josefina may also be considered a feminine form of Joseph, a popular biblical figure who was sold into slavery in Egypt.
Over time, Josefina has become a beloved name throughout the Spanish-speaking world and beyond. Some notable individuals named Josefina include Josefina Vázquez Mota, a Mexican politician and economist, and Josefina Daprato, an Italian actress known for her roles in silent films during the early 20th century. Today, Josefina remains a popular choice among parents looking to give their daughters a name with Spanish roots and rich historical significance.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Josefina saw significant fluctuations in popularity over time. The earliest data point is from 1887 with just 6 births, indicating it was not a common name at that time. However, it began to gain traction around the late 1890s and early 1900s, with more than 20 births per year occurring consistently after 1907.
The peak in popularity occurred between 1916 and 1923, with over 150 births each year. The highest recorded number of births was in 1923, with 167 Josefinas born that year alone. After this peak, the popularity of the name started to decline gradually but steadily.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the annual birth count fell below 150, indicating a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Josefina compared to its peak years. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with fewer than 100 births each year since 2003.
In recent years (2016-2023), the number of births named Josefina has stabilized around 80-100 per year, suggesting that while it is no longer one of the most popular names, it remains a recognizable and occasionally chosen option for parents.