"God will add"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Josefa
A classic Iberian saint name meaning God will add
Spanish
Portuguese
Latin American
Czech
Classic
Elegant
Traditional
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"may God increase"
Origin: Hebrew via Latin
Language: Spanish
The Story of Josefa
Josefa is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine form of Joseph, which comes from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning God will add (another son). The name has been used throughout the Spanish-speaking world and in Czech and Slovak cultures for centuries. It carries the same biblical weight as Josephine but with a more distinctly Iberian and Latin American character, deeply rooted in Catholic naming traditions.
Josefa has long been a staple in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. In the United States, it remains rare, often found in communities with strong Spanish or Portuguese heritage. Its simplicity and elegance have kept it in quiet, steady use.
In the Catholic tradition of Spain and Latin America, Josefa is associated with Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Santa Josefa Rossello (1811–1880), an Italian saint canonized in 1949, has also kept the name in religious prominence.
Fun Facts
- Josefa is the direct Spanish/Portuguese equivalent of Josephine
- Saint Josefa Rossello of Italy was canonized in 1949, keeping the name in Catholic tradition
Josefa in Other Languages
Czech
Josefa
Hebrew
יוֹסֵפָה
Italian
Giuseppa
Spanish
Josefa
Portuguese
Josefa
Popularity Over Time
#6,570
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Josefa
J
Josefa Iloilo
Politician
1920
President of Fiji from 2000 to 2009, the first indigenous Fijian president
J
Josefa Rossello
Religious
1811
Italian Catholic saint, canonized in 1949, founder of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,570
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Portuguese Latin American Czech
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jose
Josie
Pepa
Fefa
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Spanish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Josefa
What does the name Josefa mean?
"God will add" (from Hebrew). "may God increase" (from Hebrew via Latin). Josefa is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine form of Joseph, which comes from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning God will add (another son). The name has been used throughout the Spanish-speaking world and in Czech and Slovak cultures for centuries. It carries the same biblical weight as Josephine but with a more distinctly Iberian and Latin American character, deeply rooted in Catholic naming traditions.
What is the origin of the name Josefa?
Josefa has Hebrew, Hebrew via Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Czech origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will add". In Hebrew via Latin, it means "may God increase".
Is Josefa a boy or girl name?
Josefa is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Josefa?
Josefa is currently ranked #6570 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Josefa?
Common nicknames for Josefa include Jose, Josie, Pepa, and Fefa.
What are good middle names for Josefa?
Popular middle name pairings include Josefa Maria, Josefa Elena, Josefa Isabel, Josefa Clara, Josefa Luz, and Josefa Carmen.
What are good sibling names for Josefa?
Names that pair well with Josefa as siblings include Rodrigo, Isabella, Miguel, Valentina, Carlos, and Lucia.
How many syllables does Josefa have?
Josefa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Josefa a common or rare name?
Josefa is an uncommon name, ranked #6570 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Josefa
Josefa is a girl name with Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Czech origins . The name means "God will add" in Hebrew .
Josefa is currently ranked #6,570 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Josefa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Josefa include Jose, Josie, Pepa, and Fefa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Josefa include Josephine, Joselyn, Josephina, Josefina, Josette . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.