Josephine

How to say it

/ˈdʒoʊ.sə.fin/

What it means

French feminine of Joseph, from Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add' (implying God will add more children). Most famously the name of Napoleon's first wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais.

Josephine is the French feminine of Joseph, from the Hebrew Yosef ('he will add,' the prayer of Rachel after Joseph's birth in Genesis). The form arrived in English via Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's first wife, whose letters and life were one of the cultural fascinations of the 19th century. Josephine Baker, the American-born French entertainer and Civil Rights activist, kept the name in cultural circulation through the 20th century. It crashed mid-century and has roared back since 2010 as part of the vintage revival. The standard nickname tree is Jo, Josie, Josette, and the French Phine (rare in English).

Heads-up notes

• Nickname

  The nickname tree is unusually deep: Jo, Josie, Josette, Posey, Phine, and the French Fifi all show up. Most families settle on Josie or Jo for daily use.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Joséphine de Beauharnais Napoleon's first wife, Empress of the French
• Josephine Baker American-born French entertainer and civil-rights activist

Spelling variants

• Joséphine
• Josefina

Names with the same feeling

• Eloise Healthy, hardy
• Evelyn Hazelnut, or wished-for child
• Charlotte Free woman
• Penelope Weaver, or 'duck'
• Audrey Noble strength

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