Josie

Often used as a standalone name; historically common as a diminutive for names like Josephine or Josette in English usage.

Josie is a classic English-language nickname-style name that’s widely used today as a full given name. It reads as friendly and easy to approach, and it’s short enough to be simple on forms and in everyday conversation. Historically, Josie is commonly used as a diminutive for longer “Jo-” names—often Josephine in English-language settings, and sometimes related forms such as Josette depending on family and region. Because multiple longer names can feed into it, Josie is best described as a well-established diminutive that has become independent in modern naming. Pronunciation is usually JOH-zee, two syllables with a voiced “z” sound in the middle. A practical tip is that spelling variants like “Josey” may show up, but they’re typically pronounced the same; “Jo” remains the most common extra-short nickname.

Etymology: Josie is a familiar English diminutive form built on “Jo-” names. Its specific traditional source can vary (for example, Josephine), and in modern usage it frequently stands on its own.