Yosef
Yosef is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “He will add”, pronounced YOH-sef. It ranked #665 in the United States in 2025, given to 413 babies, and peaked at #606 in 2024. Common nicknames: Yossi, Yossel, Sefi.
How popular is Yosef in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Yosef mean, and where does it come from?
Yosef is the Hebrew form of Joseph — "he will add," what Rachel says at his birth, asking for another son. He is sold by his brothers, reads Pharaoh's dreams and ends up running Egypt, which makes him the first great administrator in literature. The name is standard in Israel and in Orthodox communities worldwide. American records hold it from 1951; it entered the top thousand in 1989 and reached its highest position in 2024, rising steadily for three decades.
How is Yosef used around the world?
Yosef is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Yosef?
Famous People Named Yosef
- Yosef Karo — author of the Shulchan Aruch, the standard code of Jewish law
- Ovadia Yosef — Israeli rabbi and Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel
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Sibling Name Ideas for Yosef
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Yosef mean?
Yosef is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "He will add." Yosef is the Hebrew form of Joseph — "he will add," what Rachel says at his birth, asking for another son. He is sold by his brothers, reads Pharaoh's dreams and ends up running Egypt, which makes him the first great administrator in literature.
How do you pronounce Yosef?
Yosef is pronounced YOH-sef. Common variations include Joseph, Yossef, Yusuf.
Is Yosef a boy name?
Yes, Yosef is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Yossi, Yossel, Sefi.