Girl name · French
Josephine
“God will increase”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Josephine.
Explore Josephine further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Josephine — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Josephine is the French feminine of Joseph — Hebrew for "God will increase" — worn by Napoleon's empress and by Josephine Baker, who conquered Paris on her own terms entirely.
Josephine holds eighty-eighth place in America in 2024, the strongest of the vintage four-syllable revival names.
Its nickname range is a full costume rack: Jo (bookish), Josie (sunny), Fifi (unhinged, wonderful). It pairs best with single-syllable middles (Josephine Mae, Josephine Wren). On our vibe map it is Vintage Elegant with an empress's clasp and a jazz-age hem.
More French names
Josephine sits in our French set — these share its roots.
All French names →Josephine — common questions
Is Josephine a boy or girl name?
Josephine is traditionally a girl name of French origin. It ranked #53 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Josephine mean?
Josephine means “God will increase” of French origin. Josephine is the French feminine of Joseph — Hebrew for "God will increase" — worn by Napoleon's empress and by Josephine Baker, who conquered Paris on her own terms entirely.
Where does the name Josephine come from?
Josephine is French in origin. Josephine holds eighty-eighth place in America in 2024, the strongest of the vintage four-syllable revival names.
What are common nicknames for Josephine?
Josie, Jo, and Joey — the short-forms parents most often use for Josephine.
How popular is Josephine?
Josephine ranked #53 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Josephine you might want for the nursery.