Hosea
Hosea is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Salvation or he saves.
Origin and history
Hosea is a traditional Biblical name derived from the Hebrew name Hoshea, meaning 'salvation' or 'he saves'. In the Old Testament, Hosea was an eighth-century BCE prophet whose story is recorded in the Book of Hosea. While never a top-tier mainstream choice in the United States, it maintains steady usage as a classic, distinctive prophetic name.
Popularity in the United States
5,481 babies in the United States have been named Hosea since 1880. It ranks #1646 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1569.
States where it is most popular
- MS (16.6 %)
- AL (15.1 %)
- GA (12.6 %)
- TX (10.9 %)
- LA (8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 155 |
| 1890-1900 | 114 |
| 1900-1910 | 154 |
| 1910-1920 | 386 |
| 1920-1930 | 583 |
| 1930-1940 | 474 |
| 1940-1950 | 437 |
| 1950-1960 | 555 |
| 1960-1970 | 439 |
| 1970-1980 | 394 |
| 1980-1990 | 283 |
| 1990-2000 | 306 |
| 2000-2010 | 296 |
| 2010-2019 | 547 |
| 2020-2029 | 358 |
Famous people named Hosea
- Hosea Williams: Civil Rights Activist, Politician
Fun facts
- Hosea shares its core Hebrew root with the names Joshua and Jesus.
- The Prophet Hosea's narrative is known for using his life as an allegory for divine devotion and forgiveness.