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Name Origin

Josiah is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'Yahweh has healed.' It is a biblical name, borne by a king of Judah who was known for his religious reforms.

hebrewbiblicalreligioushealinggodlymasculine

Famous People

Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795)

Potter, entrepreneur, philanthropist

  • Founded the Wedgwood pottery company
  • Pioneered mass production techniques
  • Developed jasperware, a distinctive type of stoneware

Josiah Quincy III (1772-1864)

Politician, Mayor of Boston

  • Served as Mayor of Boston from 1823 to 1826 and again from 1835 to 1839
  • Advocate for education and abolitionism
  • President of Harvard University (1829-1845)

Josiah Henson (1789-1883)

Abolitionist, author, minister

  • Escaped slavery and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad
  • Founded the Dawn Settlement in Ontario, Canada for escaped slaves
  • Wrote his autobiography, which inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'

Josiah Strong (1847-1916)

Clergyman, author

  • Promoted the idea of American exceptionalism and overseas expansion
  • Author of 'Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its Present Crisis'
  • Influential figure in the Protestant missionary movement

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