Joshua
Meaning: God is salvation; the Lord saves
Origin: Hebrew — from Yehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ), the same root as Jesus
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #75
Total births: 6,474
History: Joshua is a name that has filled Irish classrooms for decades, from one-room schoolhouses in remote townlands to modern gaelscoileanna in Dublin suburbs. It reflects Ireland's passionate commitment to education and the belief that learning opens every door. Many bearers of this name went on to become the teachers, doctors, and leaders who shaped a confident, educated nation.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #81 |
| Babies named Joshua in 2025 | 74 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 6,474 |
| Peak year | 2004 (364 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #17 |
| Years in records | 1974–2025 (47 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 25 spots |
Frequently asked about Joshua
What does the name Joshua mean?
Joshua means “God is salvation; the Lord saves” from Hebrew — from Yehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ), the same root as Jesus roots.
What is the origin of the name Joshua?
Joshua has Hebrew — from Yehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ), the same root as Jesus origin. The traditional meaning is “God is salvation; the Lord saves”.
How popular is Joshua in Ireland?
Joshua ranked #81 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 74 babies that year.
When was Joshua most popular?
Joshua peaked in 2004 with 364 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Joshua a boy or girl name?
Joshua is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Joshuas in registered births are male.
Is the name Joshua rising or falling in popularity?
Joshua has fallen 25 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #56 in 2020 to #81 in 2025.
How long has Joshua been recorded in Ireland?
Joshua appears in birth records in Ireland across 47 years — from 1974 through 2025.