In England, since the days of the Puritans, when almost all children were given names chosen from the Bible, Joseph has been one of the most popular; but, except in Ireland, where Fifine is often met with, the feminine forms of Josephine and Josepha have never been common here, though everywhere on the Continent they abound.
     One of the first amongst Royalties was Maria Josepha, the daughter of Maria Theresa; but the one best known of all was the unhappy Empress of Napoleon Buonaparte.  A native of Martinique, she was taken to France by her father when still quite a girl, and at the age of sixteen married the Viscomte de Beauharnais, and became the mother of two children—Eugène and Hortense.  In 1779 she returned to Martinique to attend on her mother, who was ill; but three years later, on the revolt of the Colony, was obliged to go back to Paris, where she experienced all the horrors of the Revolution.  In 1794 her husband was beheaded, and she was herself condemned to die; but was rescued from prison by Tallien, upon the fall of Robespierre, and she shortly afterwards met Napoleon, then a General, at Barras' house, and in 1796 married him. (Swan)