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GENDER: Male
PRONUNCIATION: JAH-shu-wa, JAW-shwa.

ETYMOLOGY: Derived from the Hebrew Yehoshu'a meaning the lord is Salvation.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY:
The name is originally of Biblical context, Joshua is known as the successor to Moses. Joshua trained as an apprentice for Moses from an early age. Joshua was one of the 12 spies chosen to go and explore the land of Canaan. After Moses' death Joshua became the leader of the Israelites and went on to conquest Canaan. Joshua led the Israelites to the promised lands as set forth by God.

POPULARITY:
According to the American social security records the name Joshua rated lowly within the first half of the 20th Century. Trends began to pick up however in the early 1970's with Joshua began appearing within the 50 most popular boy's name. By 1980 Joshua ranked within the top 10 names chosen. 1990 saw no drop in the popularity of this boys name as it spent 10 years fluctuating between the fourth and fifth position. In 2002 Joshua took third place in the name ratings and with global interest increasing in the name I think it is only a matter of time before Joshua raises straight to the top.

FASCINATING FACTS:
The name "Jesus" was derived from the name Joshua.

The Joshua tree is a native specimen to the southwestern regions of North America. Joshua's tree is thought to have received its name from the resemblance it bears with its long outstretched branches to Joshua waving the people towards the Promised Land. The tree has dark green leaves with off white bloom.

According to numerology the name Joshua is related to the number 2. Characteristics strongly linked with the number 2 are; good cooperation and adaption, consideration for other people and strong mediating skills.

NAMESAKES:
U2 album, "The Joshua tree". The album was released on the 9th March 1987. Compiling some of U2's greatest works the album became a huge success. In 1988 "the Joshua tree" went on to win album of the year at the Grammy awards

Joshua's tree national park, California. The park is a dessert like landscape, covering many square miles. The enticing factor to this park is its vast supply of Joshua trees adorning the barren area. The park has a multitude of trails and treks to enjoy whilst there.

FAMOUS PERSONS:
Josh Harnett. Josh was born on the 21st of July 1978. Josh Harnett is a famous American actor. Film successes include, "Black Hawk Down", "Pearl Harbor", "The Black Dahlia" and "30 Days of Night".

Josh Groban. The American singer songwriter was born 27th February 1981.Josh is known internationally for his baritone singing voice.

Josh Blue. An American comedian. Josh was born on the 27th November 1978. With a light humored approach to cerebral palsy he became voted number one on the reality program last comic standing.

Joshua Lionel Cowen (1977-1965). Joshua was an American inventor and co-founder of Lionel cooperation. Joshua invented toy trains selling his first train in 1901. Lionel toys continued manufacturing and selling toys up until 1993.

NAME VARIANTS:
For people interested in the name Joshua but looking for something slightly different here are a few options available to you;
Jozua Dutch
Yushua Arabic
Giosue Italian
Josue Spanish, French, Welsh
Jozua Hungarian
Other variants include; Josh, Joshawa, Josie, Joshuah, Jeshau and Yehoshua.

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