Joseph

Also spelled: Yosef, Josef, Giuseppe, José, Józef, Iosif

Joseph · José (Spanish, Portuguese) · Josef (German, Czech, Scandinavian) · Giuseppe (Italian) · Józef (Polish) · Iosif (Russian, Romanian) · Yusuf (Arabic, Turkish)

Pronunciation: JOH-sef

♂ Male

Hebrew

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Biblical Names

Meaning

God will add; God increases

Origin

Hebrew

About Joseph

Joseph carries a gravitas that few names can match, rooted deeply in both Hebrew tradition and widespread global recognition. Meaning "God will add" or "God increases," it suggests a legacy of growth and abundance. This is a name for parents who appreciate a strong, classic choice that feels both utterly familiar and eternally reliable. Unlike many ancient names, Joseph has never truly faded from popularity, maintaining a consistent presence across centuries and cultures. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward sound and its rich, positive associations, offering a solid foundation for any child without feeling old-fashioned or overly trendy.

Quick Facts

- Gender: Male - Origin: Hebrew - Pronunciation: JOH-sef - Popular in: United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Classic

Peak decade:1940s

Era:Biblical / Early Christian, Medieval, Contemporary

Popular in:United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy

Popularity Trends

Is Joseph Right for Your Baby?

Joseph is a Classic, Strong, Reliable name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Cultural Associations

Biblical / Christian

Jewish

Regions Where Joseph Is Used

Hebrew / Jewish

European

North American

Name Vibe

Classic

Strong

Reliable

Famous People Named Joseph

Joseph Stalin (Soviet dictator)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (American actor)
Joseph Fiennes (English actor)
Joseph Haydn (Austrian composer)
Joseph Pulitzer (Hungarian-American publisher)

Nicknames & Short Forms

Joe

Joey

Joe
Joey

Joseph in different fonts

JosephDancing Script

JosephCaveat

JosephSatisfy

JosephPacifico

JosephGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like Joseph, you might also like names with these styles:

Classic biblical names

Traditional

Strong and timeless

Found in these lists

Traditional Seychelles Names

Burundi Boy Names

Saint Kitts and Nevis Boy Names

Irish & Celtic Names

Traditional British Names

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Boy Names

Sibling Names

Twin Baby Names

Traditional Saint Kitts and Nevis Names

Millennial Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph

What does the name Joseph mean?

Joseph means "God will add" or "God increases" in Hebrew, conveying a sense of growth and abundance.

Is Joseph a popular name today?

Yes, Joseph remains a perennially popular choice, consistently ranking high in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and France.

What does Joseph mean?

Joseph means "God will add; God increases". It is derived from Hebrew.

What is the origin of Joseph?

Joseph originates from Hebrew. Its cultural origin is Hebrew.

Is Joseph a male or female name?

Joseph is a male name.

How do you pronounce Joseph?

Joseph is pronounced "JOH-sef".

What language does Joseph come from?

Joseph comes from Hebrew.

Is Joseph a popular name?

Joseph is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

What are variants of Joseph?

Variants of Joseph include Yosef, Josef, Giuseppe, José, Józef, Iosif.

What are nicknames for Joseph?

Common nicknames for Joseph include Joe, Joey.

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