Fun Facts About the Name Joas
- 282 babies named Joas: U.S. records list 282 babies given the name Joas from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Joas Mean?
Joas is a form of the biblical Hebrew name Yoʾash (יוֹאָשׁ), whose meaning is usually given as "Yahweh has given" - that is, the God of Israel has given. The same name also appears in a longer Hebrew form, Yehōʾash (יְהוֹאָשׁ), which keeps the full divine element Yeho-; Joash/Joas is the shorter form, where that element is reduced to Yo-.
The exact force of the second element is not certain. Bible dictionaries normally explain it as "has given," following the pattern of Hebrew names built on the divine name Yeho-. Some writers instead connect the element with Hebrew ʾesh ("fire") and gloss the name as "fire of Yahweh." The "given" sense is the one most often recorded.
Joas Name History & Origins
The name reached English through Greek and Latin as much as from Hebrew. The Septuagint writes it Ἰωάς (Iōas) and the Latin Vulgate Ioas; because Hebrew shin is rendered by Greek sigma, the Greek- and Latin-based spelling has no h, while translations made directly from Hebrew write Joash. Older English Catholic versions, following the Vulgate, call the king of Judah Joas; the King James Version, working from Hebrew, uses Joash. German Bibles likewise normally call him Joas.
In the Hebrew Bible the name belongs to several figures. The best known is Joash, father of the judge Gideon, who lived at Ophrah and owned the altar of Baal that Gideon pulled down; when the townspeople wanted to put Gideon to death, Joash spoke for him, and Gideon took the name Jerubbaal (Judges 6 - 7). Two kings share the name. Joash (Jehoash) of Judah was a son of Ahaziah, hidden as an infant, crowned at the age of seven after Athaliah seized the throne, and later killed by his own officials (2 Kings 11 - 12; 2 Chronicles 22 - 24). Jehoash of Israel, son of Jehoahaz, fought against Judah and consulted the prophet Elisha on his deathbed (2 Kings 13 - 14). Lesser bearers include a descendant of Shelah (1 Chronicles 4:22) and a Benjaminite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3).
As a modern given name, Joas is uncommon in the English-speaking world. In Ethiopia the same biblical name appears in the form Iyoas, borne by emperors including Iyoas I in the 18th century.
How Popular is the Name Joas?
Joas has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2021. Its best rank was #4,908 in 1985.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #8,557 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2024 | #6,610 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 2023 | #8,552 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2022 | #6,641 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2021 | #6,170 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 2020 | #8,365 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2019 | #6,963 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2018 | #7,345 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2017 | #7,840 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2016 | #7,854 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | #9,134 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2014 | #8,440 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2013 | #11,400 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2012 | #11,465 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2011 | #7,767 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2010 | #7,306 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2009 | #10,384 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2008 | #7,973 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2006 | #8,358 | 9 | 0.0004% |
| 2005 | #7,962 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2004 | #9,403 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2003 | #11,751 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | #8,889 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2001 | #11,393 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | #8,630 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1998 | #7,983 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1997 | #9,974 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1995 | #6,660 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1992 | #5,872 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1988 | #6,089 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1987 | #6,488 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1985 | #4,908 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1984 | #5,939 | 6 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Joas Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are honest, benevolent, brilliant and often inventive, full of high inspirations. You are courageous, honest, determined, original and creative. You are a leader, especially for a cause. Sometimes you do not care to finish what you start, and may leave details to others. You can do well in position of authority, and prospers in intellectual and professional fields. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.
You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.
✦ Joas's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Joas's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.