Explore the Family Name Josiah
The meaning of Josiah
English: from the Hebrew Biblical name Josiah, understood as ‘God supports’ but the subject of alternative speculations such as ‘despair (from ya’ash) of God’.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Josiah in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Josiah has seen a notable rise in popularity between 2000 and 2010. Ranked at 52,403 in 2000, it moved up to 43,969 in 2010, marking an increase of 16.09%. The count of individuals with the surname also grew by 31.72%, from 372 to 490 during this period. Consequently, the proportion per 100,000 people with this last name rose by 21.43%, indicating a heightened usage and recognition of the surname Josiah.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #52,403 | #43,969 | 16.09% |
| Count | 372 | 490 | 31.72% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.14 | 0.17 | 21.43% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Josiah
In terms of ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that the majority of individuals with the surname Josiah identify as Black, with the percentage climbing slightly from 64.52% in 2000 to 66.33% in 2010. The Hispanic demographic saw a decrease from 6.99% to 5.71% over the same period. Individuals identifying as White made up 15.05% of the Josiah surname holders in 2000, with a tiny decline noted in 2010 at 14.69%. Those identifying with two or more races dropped by 5.77%, from 7.80% in 2000 to 7.35% in 2010. Meanwhile, there were no recorded instances of this surname among Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 64.52% | 66.33% | 2.81% |
| White | 15.05% | 14.69% | -2.39% |
| Two or More Races | 7.8% | 7.35% | -5.77% |
| Hispanic | 6.99% | 5.71% | -18.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |