Josefina is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "he will increase." The name Joseph is a cognate of this Hebrew name. Josefina is the Spanish feminine form of the name, and it has been in use in Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries.

In the Bible, Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel, and he became an important figure in the Book of Genesis. Joseph's story recounts how he was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he later rose to become a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh.

The name Josefina gained popularity in Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions during the Middle Ages, influenced by the biblical figure of Joseph and the spread of Christianity. It was a common name among nobility and royalty, as well as among commoners.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Josefina dates back to the 13th century, when a Josefina de Aragón was mentioned in historical records from the Kingdom of Aragon. In the 16th century, Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese-born Italian Canossian religious sister, was canonized by the Catholic Church.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Josefina. Josefina de Beauharnais (1807-1876) was the daughter of Eugène de Beauharnais and Princess Augusta of Bavaria. She became the Queen of Sweden and Norway through her marriage to Oscar I.

Josefina Carabias (1819-1869) was a Mexican poet and writer who played a significant role in the development of Mexican literature during the 19th century. Josefina Tulloch (1863-1945) was a Chilean painter and one of the pioneers of modern art in Chile.

Josefina de Vasconcellos (1904-2005) was an Argentine poet, essayist, and journalist who was a prominent figure in the literary circles of Buenos Aires. Josefina Manresa (1934-2020) was a Spanish actress known for her work in television, theater, and film.