Looking for American Girl Josefina? Want to know about all the different styles of Josefina doll available? Read our guide for more information on choosing the right Josefina doll for you…
American Girl Josefina is an 18” doll introduced and sold commercially by American Girl in 1997. The American Girl company produces a line of dolls and accessories depicting young, pre-teen girls from historic periods. The doll’s full name is Maria Josefina Montoya. She is a 10-year-old historical character from 1824 and was developed to provide a young child’s perspective of events from this important period in American history.
Josefina has medium coloured skin, brown eyes and mahogany brown hair. Josefina is a Hispanic girl who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico at a time when it was still a part of Mexico. Josefina speaks Spanish and has three older sisters who, together, must face a new life after their mother passes away. The girls have to adjust to living with Tia Dolores.
Josefina’s story focuses on family values and Mexican traditions and culture. American Girl Josefina learns to cope with the past and the future in the wake of her mother’s death. The Josefina doll wears a white camisa edged in lace, with a red floral skirt tied with a dark sash. Her lace-up moccasins adorn tiny feet and Josefina wears cotton drawers and hoop earrings. A blue ribbon ties her single braided hair, with a sprig of evening primrose tucked in.
There are six beautifully illustrated books in the Josefina series beginning with ‘Meet Josefina’ that introduces young owners to the life of Josefina growing up in the Santa Fe. It gives an insight into a girl’s life in 1824 during the opening of the Santa Fe Trail in America. Josefina’s father owns a ranch. Her oldest sister is Ana, who is married and has twin sons, Antonio and Juan. Josefina’s other two sisters are Francisca, aged 15 and Clara, aged 12.
Origins of the Name Josefina
The name Josefina has Hebrew and Italian roots and is a variant of Giuseppina or Josephine. It means ‘the Lord adds’ or Jehovah increases’. Josefina is a Spanish and Swedish feminine form of Joseph. The historical origin of Josefina is from Spain.
American Girl Josefina is an attractive Hispanic doll whose story encourages young girls to be faithful and caring. Josefina reinforces the importance of family values and being proud of one’s cultural heritage in the modern world.
