Meaning: Its source is Yehoshua, a Hebrew name meaning "God is salvation."

Languages: This boy's name is used in English.

Nicknames: Josh

Alternative Spellings: Jeshua

Variant Forms: Yeshua

Non-English Forms: Jesus, Josue, Giosue, Yushua and Józsua

Source Forms: Yehoshua

Popularity: The name Joshua ranked 3rd in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics, 38th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census and 3rd in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1994 US Census.

This name is highly rated both on the 1990 U.S. Census list and in state data recording the most popular baby names.

Narrative: In the Jewish scriptures, Joshua, which is the source for the name Jesus, is the hero of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. Successor to Moses, he is a mighty soldier who is also known for his piety and fairness.

Joshua features in a well-loved African-American spiritual that recounts: ''Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls came a-tumblin' down!'' The ancient site of Jericho has been excavated by many scientists over the last century. They still puzzle over the miracle described in the song -- at Joshua's command, the people surrounding the city blew rams' horns and raised a shout so mighty that Jericho's defenses crumbled, giving the battle to the Children of Israel.

Meaning: Its source is Yehoshua, a Hebrew name meaning "God is salvation."

Popularity: The name Joshua ranked 3641st in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

This name is usually reserved for boys. In part, it could owe its position on the US Census popularity list to incorrectly filled-out census forms.