Josh

Josh is a masculine given name, typically a shortened form of Joshua, though it is also used as an independent given name. The root form Joshua comes from the Hebrew Yehoshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua is the successor of Moses and the leader who brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, a legacy that has helped popularize the name in Jewish and Christian communities.

In English-speaking countries, Josh is widely used as a familiar or informal form of Joshua and appears in modern naming practices as a stand-alone name. The name has been borne by many public figures in entertainment, sports, and other fields, contributing to its continued use.

Notable people named Josh include actors Josh Brolin, Josh Hutcherson, Josh Hartnett, and Josh Gad; singer Josh Groban; actor and producer Josh Duhamel; and actor-writer Josh Radnor. The name also appears in fictional settings and popular culture in various forms, reflecting its casual and approachable image.

See also Joshua, a related name; variants may include Josue in Spanish-speaking contexts. The name Josh remains a widely recognized short form, often chosen for its friendly and straightforward sound.