Joseph
God will add — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Joseph in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Joseph
Joseph comes from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "God shall add." In the Old Testament, Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, known for his coat of many colors and his rise to power in Egypt. In the New Testament, Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. The name has been enormously popular across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions for centuries. It consistently ranks among the top boy names in numerous countries, admired for its warmth, reliability, and deep spiritual resonance.
Joseph Around the World
Joseph is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 41+ international variants.
Female FormJosephin
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Joseph
Famous People Named Joseph
- Joseph Haydn — Austrian classical composer
- Joseph Conrad — Polish-British novelist
- Joseph Biden — 46th President of the United States
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Sibling Name Ideas for Joseph
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God will add." Joseph comes from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "God shall add." In the Old Testament, Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, known for his coat of many colors and his rise to power in Egypt.
How do you pronounce Joseph?
Joseph is pronounced JOH-zuf. Common variations include Josef, Giuseppe, Jose.
Is Joseph a boy name?
Yes, Joseph is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Joe, Joey, Jo, Joss.
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