The name Josefa is a feminine Spanish given name derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "he will increase." It is the Spanish equivalent of the English name Josephine, and both names share a common origin with the masculine name Joseph.

The name Josefa has its roots in the biblical story of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, who rose to prominence in ancient Egypt. The name Yosef gained widespread popularity among Jews and later Christians, leading to various variations in different languages.

In Spanish-speaking cultures, Josefa became a common name for girls, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Many notable women throughout history have borne this name, including Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez (1768-1829), a Mexican revolutionary who played a crucial role in the struggle for independence from Spain.

Another well-known figure was Josefa Segovia (1820-1900), a Spanish painter and one of the first women to be admitted to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid. In literature, Josefa Amar y Borbón (1749-1808) was a Spanish writer, educator, and advocate for women's rights during the Enlightenment era.

The name Josefa has also been associated with religious figures, such as Josefa Naval Girbés (1820-1893), a Spanish nun and founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Most Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Additionally, Josefa Menendez (1890-1923), a Spanish mystic and member of the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis, was known for her spiritual visions and writings.

Other notable bearers of the name Josefa include Josefa Idem (1920-2011), a German-Spanish writer and journalist, and Josefa Llanes Escudero (1898-1949), a Spanish anarchist and activist who fought for women's rights and social justice during the Spanish Civil War.

While the name Josefa has its origins in Hebrew and Spanish cultures, it has also been adopted and adapted in other languages and cultures around the world, reflecting the widespread influence and popularity of this name throughout history.