"God will increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Joey
Pronunciation: [ j-OH-ee ]
Does Joey flow with your last name?
Spunky, friendly, and full of life
English
American
Australian
Playful
Vintage
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Friendly
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"baby kangaroo (informal)"
Origin: Australian English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily associated as a male name in many regions, which may cause confusion
The Story of Joey
Joey is a diminutive of Joseph (Hebrew: Yosef), meaning 'God will increase' or 'He will add.' Originally a male nickname, Joey has been embraced as a standalone name for girls, fitting into the trend of traditionally male names used for girls. In Australia, 'joey' is also the word for a baby kangaroo, adding a cute, endearing quality.
Joey gained popularity as a girl's name during the gender-neutral name movement of the 1990s–2000s. Characters named Joey in popular culture, including the TV show 'Friends,' kept the name in public consciousness, though the character was male.
In Australia, 'joey' refers to a baby kangaroo, making it an especially endearing choice. As a girl's name, it represents the broader trend of giving girls traditionally masculine or gender-neutral names.
Historical Record
Joey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,167 babies have been named Joey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Joey is past its peak , currently ranked #1,375 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Australia, a joey is a baby kangaroo
- Joey is a diminutive of Joseph meaning 'God will increase'
- The name appears as a female character in several TV shows
Joey in Other Languages
French
Joey
Hebrew
יוסף (Joseph)
Italian
Joey
Spanish
Joey
Popularity Over Time
#1,375
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1974
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Joey
J
Joey King
Actor
1999
American actress known for 'The Kissing Booth' and 'The Act'
J
Joey Tribbiani Fictional
Actor
Fictional character from the TV show 'Friends', played by Matt LeBlanc
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Compare Joey with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,375
- Total SSA Count
- 164
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Joey
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Joey is also used as a boy name, ranked #890.
View Joey as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Joey
What does the name Joey mean?
"God will increase" (from Hebrew). "baby kangaroo (informal)" (from Australian English). Joey is a diminutive of Joseph (Hebrew: Yosef), meaning 'God will increase' or 'He will add.' Originally a male nickname, Joey has been embraced as a standalone name for girls, fitting into the trend of traditionally male names used for girls. In Australia, 'joey' is also the word for a baby kangaroo, adding a cute, endearing quality.
What is the origin of the name Joey?
Joey has Hebrew, Australian English, English, American, and Australian origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will increase". In Australian English, it means "baby kangaroo (informal)".
Is Joey a boy or girl name?
Joey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1375. As a boy name, it is ranked #890. Joey is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Joey?
Joey is pronounced j-OH-ee.
How popular is the name Joey?
Joey is currently ranked #1375 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Joey?
Popular middle name pairings include Joey Rose, Joey Lynn, Joey Anne, Joey Claire, Joey Marie, and Joey Grace.
What are good sibling names for Joey?
Names that pair well with Joey as siblings include Frankie, Charlie, Billie, Stevie, Lenny, and Sammie.
How many syllables does Joey have?
Joey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Joey a common or rare name?
Joey is an uncommon name, ranked #1375 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Joey?
About the Name Joey
Joey is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "God will increase" in Hebrew .
Is Joey a boy or girl name? Joey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,375 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #890. Joey is more commonly used as a boy name.
Joey is currently ranked #1,375 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Joey has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-OH-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Joey include Jo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Joey include Joelle, Joella, Joely . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis