The name Hosea has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "hoshea" which means "salvation" or "deliverance." The name Hosea can be traced back to the 8th century BCE when it was borne by the Hebrew prophet Hosea, who was one of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible.

The Book of Hosea, one of the books of the Hebrew Bible, is attributed to the prophet Hosea. This book contains the prophecies and teachings of Hosea, who lived during the reign of Jeroboam II, the King of Israel, in the 8th century BCE. The book is known for its symbolic portrayal of the relationship between God and the people of Israel, represented through the metaphor of a marriage.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Hosea is found in the Hebrew Bible, where the prophet Hosea is mentioned. Apart from the prophet himself, there are a few other biblical figures who bore the name Hosea. One such figure was the son of Beeri, who lived during the reign of Jeroboam II.

Throughout history, the name Hosea has been borne by several notable individuals. One such person was Hosea Stout (1810-1889), an American pioneer and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who played a significant role in the settlement of Utah.

Another notable bearer of the name was Hosea Ballou (1771-1852), an American Universalist minister and theologian, who was a prominent figure in the Universalist Church of America during the 19th century.

Hosea Williams (1926-2000) was an American civil rights leader and activist who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement. He played a crucial role in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.

Hosea Gear (born 1985) is a New Zealand rugby union player who has represented the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, and has played in several international tournaments, including the Rugby World Cup.

Hosea Kiprotich (born 1989) is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in marathon running. He has won several international marathons, including the Hamburg Marathon in 2015 and the Paris Marathon in 2017.