"God will add, God will increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Joey
Pronunciation: [ j-OH-ee ]
Boy Name
#890 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
The friendliest name in the room, always good for a laugh
American
English
Australian
Playful
Friendly
Classic
Casual
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"may God give increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Joey
Joey is a diminutive of Joseph, a Hebrew name from 'Yosef,' meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' In the Bible, Joseph was the beloved eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers but rising to become a powerful leader in Egypt. Joey developed as an affectionate pet form primarily in English-speaking countries. In Australian English, 'joey' is also the word for a baby kangaroo, giving the name additional cultural layers Down Under.
Joey gained enduring cultural prominence through beloved TV characters — most notably Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends' (1994-2004), whose warmth, humor, and loyal personality made the name synonymous with good-natured charm. Joey Gladstone on 'Full House' also reinforced this image.
In Australia, Joey carries the delightful double meaning of baby kangaroo, making it especially endearing. The name's friendly, unpretentious quality has kept it popular across generations and social circles.
Fun Facts
- 'Joey' is Australian slang for a baby kangaroo
- Joey Tribbiani on Friends inspired a generation of parents despite the character's infamous lack of intelligence
Joey in Other Languages
French
Joseph
German
Josef
Hebrew
יוסף
Italian
Giuseppe
Spanish
José
Famous People Named Joey
J
Joey Chestnut
Athlete
1983
American competitive eater, 16-time winner of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
J
Joey Ramone
Musician
1951
Born Jeffrey Hyman, lead singer of the Ramones and pioneer of American punk rock
J
Joey Tribbiani Fictional
Actor
Lovable, food-obsessed aspiring actor in the TV sitcom Friends, played by Matt LeBlanc
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #890
- Total SSA Count
- 266
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Joe
Pairs Well With
Joey James
Joey Robert
Joey Thomas
Joey Alexander
Joey Michael
Joey Paul
Joey Wayne
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Joey is also used as a girl name, ranked #1375.
View Joey as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Joey
What does the name Joey mean?
"God will add, God will increase" (from Hebrew). "may God give increase" (from Hebrew). Joey is a diminutive of Joseph, a Hebrew name from 'Yosef,' meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' In the Bible, Joseph was the beloved eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers but rising to become a powerful leader in Egypt. Joey developed as an affectionate pet form primarily in English-speaking countries. In Australian English, 'joey' is also the word for a baby kangaroo, giving the name additional cultural layers Down Under.
What is the origin of the name Joey?
Joey has Hebrew, American, English, and Australian origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will add, God will increase". In Hebrew, it means "may God give increase".
Is Joey a boy or girl name?
Joey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #890. As a girl name, it is ranked #1375. 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 #890 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Joey?
Common nicknames for Joey include Joe.
What are good middle names for Joey?
Popular middle name pairings include Joey James, Joey Robert, Joey Thomas, Joey Alexander, Joey Michael, Joey Paul, and Joey Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Joey?
Names that pair well with Joey as siblings include Frankie, Tommy, Billie, Stevie, Bobby, Lily, and Molly.
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 moderately common, ranked #890 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Joey
Joey is a boy name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "God will add, God will increase" in Hebrew .
Is Joey a boy or girl name? Joey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #890 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,375. Joey is more commonly used as a boy name.
Joey is currently ranked #890 in popularity for boy 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 Joe. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Joey include Joel, Joe, Joesiah, Joell . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.