Joseph

1. Joseph name meaning and origin

The name Joseph, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוֹסֵף), carries the meaningful etymology of 'he will add' or 'may God add/increase.' This biblical name first appears in the Book of Genesis, where it was given to the eleventh son of Jacob, born to his wife Rachel. In the biblical narrative, Rachel named her son Joseph saying, 'May the Lord add to me another son,' reflecting the name's core meaning of addition or increase.

Through centuries of usage and cultural transmission, Joseph became one of the most enduring male names in Western civilization. The name gained widespread popularity among Christians due to two significant biblical figures: Joseph, the son of Jacob, known for his coat of many colors and his rise to prominence in Egypt; and Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus in the New Testament. From its Hebrew origins, the name spread throughout the ancient world, appearing in Greek as Iōsēph (Ἰωσήφ) and Latin as Iosephus, before evolving into its current familiar form in English and similar variants across European languages.

References:

2. Joseph name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Joseph

United States

United Kingdom

The name Joseph has a rich history as a primarily masculine name in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Derived from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning "he will add," it has maintained consistent popularity throughout generations, appearing in various religious texts including the Bible and the Quran.

While predominantly given to boys, Joseph has occasionally been used as a feminine name in both countries, though this usage remains relatively uncommon. The name's enduring appeal stems from its classic nature and cross-cultural recognition. Many parents choose Joseph for its strong traditional roots and versatility, as it offers numerous nickname options including Joe, Joey, and Jos.

3. Variations and nicknames of Joseph

The name Joseph, of Hebrew origin meaning "God will add," has traveled across cultures and languages for millennia, adopting numerous variations along the way. In Romance languages, it appears as José (Spanish and Portuguese), Giuseppe (Italian), and Josef (German and Scandinavian). Slavic languages offer Józef (Polish), Iosif (Russian), and Josip (Croatian). Further east, the name transforms into Yusuf in Arabic, Hovsep in Armenian, and Yousef in Persian. These variants reflect not only linguistic differences but also the name's enduring cross-cultural appeal, having maintained popularity through biblical significance, royal connections, and continued use across diverse communities worldwide.

Equally rich is Joseph's collection of affectionate nicknames and diminutives. Traditional English nicknames include Joe, Joey, and Jo, with variations like Jojo, Joe-Joe, and Josie sometimes appearing. Regional or cultural diminutives include Jep, Seph, Sepp (particularly in Bavaria), Beppe or Peppe (Italian), Pepe (Spanish), and Jef or Joss in some European regions. More contemporary or creative diminutives include Jay, JoJo, and Jody. Historically, the nickname "Jo" has occasionally been unisex, sometimes used for women named Josephine as well. The proliferation of these variants and nicknames demonstrates Joseph's remarkable adaptability, allowing individuals to personalize this ancient name while maintaining connection to its deep historical roots.

4. Best name combinations with Joseph

Middle names that pair well with Joseph:

Joseph Alexander
Joseph Benjamin
Joseph Caleb
Joseph Daniel
Joseph Elijah
Joseph Francis
Joseph Gabriel
Joseph Henry
Joseph Isaiah
Joseph Matthew
Joseph Nathan
Joseph Oliver
Joseph Philip
Joseph Samuel
Joseph Theodore
Joseph William
Joseph Xavier
Joseph Zachary
Joseph Dominic
Joseph Vincent

Names that go well when Joseph is used as a middle name:

Andrew Joseph
Benjamin Joseph
Charles Joseph
Daniel Joseph
Edward Joseph
Frederick Joseph
George Joseph
Henry Joseph
Isaac Joseph
James Joseph
Michael Joseph
Nicholas Joseph
Patrick Joseph
Robert Joseph
Thomas Joseph
William Joseph
Xavier Joseph
Anthony Joseph
Christian Joseph
David Joseph

5. Numerology of Joseph name

In Pythagorean numerology, the name "Joseph" carries specific vibrations that influence different aspects of one's life.

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

1
J(1) + O(6) + S(1) + E(5) + P(7) + H(8) = 28 = 2+8 = 10 = 1+0 = 1

A Destiny Number 1 suggests natural leadership abilities and independence. You're likely to forge your own path and excel in careers where you can take initiative, such as entrepreneurship, management, or innovation-driven fields. In relationships, you value honesty and directness, though you may need to balance your strong will with compromise and consideration of others' needs.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

6
Vowels: O(6) + E(5) = 11 = 1+1 = 2

With a Soul Urge Number 2, your inner desire centers around harmony, cooperation, and meaningful connections. You deeply value partnerships and thrive in collaborative environments. Career-wise, you excel in roles requiring diplomacy, mediation, or supportive functions. In relationships, you're naturally nurturing and seek emotional balance, though you might sometimes prioritize others' needs over your own.

Personality Number:

8
Consonants: J(1) + S(1) + P(7) + H(8) = 17 = 1+7 = 8

A Personality Number 8 presents you as ambitious, authoritative, and results-oriented to the outside world. People likely see you as someone who can manage resources effectively and achieve material success. This number favors careers in business, finance, or leadership positions. In relationships, you appear dependable and protective, though others might initially perceive you as more focused on practical matters than emotional ones.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Joseph name in pop culture

Name

Description

Joseph 'Joe' Gargery

A kind-hearted blacksmith and Pip's brother-in-law in Charles Dickens' novel 'Great Expectations'

Joseph Cooper

The protagonist astronaut played by Matthew McConaughey in Christopher Nolan's science fiction film 'Interstellar'

Joseph Joestar

A major character in the popular manga and anime series 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure', appearing as the protagonist in Part 2 and supporting character in later parts

Joseph 'Joe' MacMillan

A visionary but volatile tech entrepreneur character played by Lee Pace in the AMC television drama series 'Halt and Catch Fire'

Hey Joseph

A hit song by the indie pop band 'The Cults' from their self-titled debut album released in 2011

7. Famous people named Joseph

Name

Description

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

American actor known for roles in '500 Days of Summer,' 'Inception,' and 'The Dark Knight Rises'

Joe Biden

46th President of the United States and former Vice President under Barack Obama

Joe Jonas

American singer and actor, member of the Jonas Brothers band and DNCE

Joe DiMaggio

Legendary American baseball player for the New York Yankees and Hall of Famer

Joseph Conrad

Polish-British writer regarded as one of the greatest novelists in English, author of 'Heart of Darkness'

Joe Pesci

American actor known for his roles in 'Goodfellas,' 'Home Alone,' and 'My Cousin Vinny'

Joseph Stalin

Soviet revolutionary and dictator who led the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until 1953

Joe Manganiello

American actor known for his roles in 'True Blood' and the 'Magic Mike' films

Joseph Fiennes

English film and stage actor known for 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'The Handmaid's Tale'

Joe Rogan

American comedian, podcast host, UFC commentator, and former television presenter

8. Names similar to Joseph

Like Joseph ? What about:

Aiden

Darcy

Eli

Sammuel

Elise

Caiden

Danah

Golden

Gilad

Zarah

Ahjin

Cayden

Elaine

Genya

Charlette

Tovah

Bernice

Yohann

Ella

Campbell

Common sibling names

Sisters

Ana

Elaine

Rachel

Charlee

Bella

Lea

Ella

Judith

Anna

Darcy

Sara

Camille

Rivka

Ainsley

Elise

Isha

Raquel

Lilith

Carter

Eva

Brothers

Levi

Declan

Shmuel

Isaac

Eli

Aiden

Ira

Moshe

Darcy

Cayden

Caiden

Caden

Abram

Natan

Thomas

Bodie

Carter

Moses

Oren

Caleb

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Joseph

1. Joseph name meaning and origin

References:

2. Joseph name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Joseph

4. Best name combinations with Joseph

Middle names that pair well with Joseph:

Names that go well when Joseph is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Joseph name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

6. Joseph name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Joseph

8. Names similar to Joseph

Like Joseph ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Joseph

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