Joshua

Joshua is a male given name of Hebrew origin. It derives from Yehoshua (Yehōshūa), meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." The standard English form is Joshua, with variants such as Josua or Josué in different languages.

In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua (Yehoshua) is the successor to Moses and serves as the leader of the Israelites during the entry into and settlement of Canaan. The biblical Book of Joshua recounts his military campaigns, the allocation of land among the tribes, and the reinforcement of the covenant with God. In Christian tradition, the name and figure are linked to the Greek form Iēsous, the root for the name Jesus in the New Testament, though the two figures are distinct.

Beyond persons, Joshua refers to other uses in culture and geography. The Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia, is a distinctive plant native to the Mojave Desert and gives its name to Joshua Tree National Park in California. The term also appears in toponyms, including the town of Joshua, Texas, and other places named Joshua in the United States.

Given its biblical origins and meaning, Joshua remains a widely used given name in various countries, often chosen for its historical and spiritual associations. The name has many variants and has been borne by numerous figures in religion, arts, sports, and public life.