"God will add, God will increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Joseph
Pronunciation: [ j-OHS-uhf ]
Does Joseph flow with your last name?
A patriarch's name trusted across three faiths for millennia
Hebrew
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French
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Meaning & Origin
"God will increase, he will add"
Origin: Hebrew Yosef from yasaf
Language: Hebrew
"may God give increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Joseph
Joseph derives from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase,' from the root 'yasaf' (to add, increase). In the Old Testament, Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, sold into slavery by his brothers, who rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt through his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. In the New Testament, Joseph of Nazareth is the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus.
Joseph has been a top-20 boys' name in the United States for over a century, a testament to its deep religious roots across Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish traditions. It remains perennially popular as a solid, trusted choice with beloved nicknames Joe and Joey.
Joseph is one of the most important figures in three Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, where he is known as Yusuf. Saint Joseph is the patron of the Universal Church, workers, and fathers. Joseph's story of forgiveness toward his brothers who sold him into slavery is one of the Bible's most powerful narratives.
Historical Record
Joseph first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,737,620 babies have been named Joseph in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Joseph is past its peak , currently ranked #32 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Joseph is venerated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — making it one of the most universally respected names in the world
- The musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been performed in over 80 countries
Joseph in Other Languages
Arabic
Yusuf
French
Joseph
Hebrew
Yosef
Italian
Giuseppe
Spanish
Jose
Popularity Over Time
#32
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2003
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Joseph
J
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Actor
1981
American actor known for Inception, 500 Days of Summer, and The Dark Knight Rises
J
Joe Biden
Politician
1942
46th President of the United States, born Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
J
Joseph Stalin
Politician
1878
Soviet leader who led the USSR during World War II
J
Joseph Haydn
Musician
1732
Austrian composer of the Classical period and father of the symphony
J
Joseph (Biblical patriarch)
Religious
Son of Jacob in the Old Testament, sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become Pharaoh's vizier — one of the Bible...
Son of Jacob in the Old Testament, sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become Pharaoh's vizier — one of the Bible's most beloved stories
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #32
- Total SSA Count
- 7,223
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew English French Spanish Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Joe
Joey
Jo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, 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, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Joseph
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Joseph is also used as a girl name, ranked #9334.
View Joseph as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph
What does the name Joseph mean?
"God will add, God will increase" (from Hebrew). "God will increase, he will add" (from Hebrew Yosef from yasaf). "may God give increase" (from Hebrew). Joseph derives from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase,' from the root 'yasaf' (to add, increase). In the Old Testament, Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, sold into slavery by his brothers, who rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt through his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. In the New Testament, Joseph of Nazareth is the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus.
What is the origin of the name Joseph?
Joseph has Hebrew, Hebrew Yosef from yasaf, English, French, Spanish, and Italian origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will add, God will increase". In Hebrew Yosef from yasaf, it means "God will increase, he will add". In Hebrew, it means "may God give increase".
Is Joseph a boy or girl name?
Joseph is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #32. As a girl name, it is ranked #9334. Joseph is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Joseph?
Joseph is pronounced j-OHS-uhf.
How popular is the name Joseph?
Joseph is currently ranked #32 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Joseph?
Common nicknames for Joseph include Joe and Joey.
What are good middle names for Joseph?
Popular middle name pairings include Joseph James, Joseph Michael, Joseph Thomas, Joseph Andrew, Joseph Patrick, and Joseph William.
What are good sibling names for Joseph?
Names that pair well with Joseph as siblings include Mary, Benjamin, Rachel, Samuel, Anna, and Matthew.
How many syllables does Joseph have?
Joseph has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Joseph a common or rare name?
Joseph is a very popular name, ranked #32 among boy names in the United States.
What boy names are similar to Joseph?
About the Name Joseph
Joseph is a boy name with Hebrew, English, French, Spanish, and Italian origins . The name means "God will add, God will increase" in Hebrew .
Is Joseph a boy or girl name? Joseph is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #32 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #9,334. Joseph is more commonly used as a boy name.
Joseph is currently ranked #32 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Joseph has 3 syllables and is pronounced j-OHS-uhf, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Joseph include Joe, Joey, and Jo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Joseph include Jose, Josef, Joseluis, Josey . 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