What does Jose mean and where does it come from?
Jose (or José) is traditionally a masculine name but has seen usage as a given name for females in certain cultures or contexts. It originates from the Hebrew name Yosef (יֹוסֵף). The name is prevalent in Spain and Latin America, associated with various saints and biblical figures, particularly Jose
Cultural significance
Jose has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god will add.
Peak popularity
Reached #28 in 2004 — currently #95 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jose?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jose?
Jose works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jose Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Jose Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Jose Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Jose Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Jose Myles
One syllable · timeless choice
Jose Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Jose right now?
Holding steady — currently #95 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #95 | 3,678 | ▼ down 4 · -3% births |
| 2024 | #91 | 3,784 | ▲ up 2 · +2% births |
| 2023 | #93 | 3,720 | ▼ down 7 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #86 | 4,030 | ▲ up 3 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #89 | 4,001 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #94 | 3,809 | ▼ down 14 · -26% births |
| 2015 | #80 | 5,164 | ▼ down 28 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #52 | 7,699 | ▼ down 22 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #30 | 12,064 | ▲ up 4 · -4% births |
| 2000 | #34 | 12,582 | ▲ up 1 · +7% births |
| 1995 | #35 | 11,777 | ▲ up 6 · +2% births |
| 1990 | #41 | 11,508 | ▲ up 8 · +37% births |
| 1985 | #49 | 8,400 | ▼ down 3 · +1% births |
| 1980 | #46 | 8,319 | ▲ up 2 · +19% births |
| 1975 | #48 | 6,969 | — |
The story of Jose
Jose has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #28 in 2004. Over 577K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #161 in 1880 to #93 in 2023. Jose is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Jose in 2004:
Jose by decade
Jose peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 911 | |
| 1890s | 974 | |
| 1900s | 1,642 | |
| 1910s | 5,968 | |
| 1920s | 14,658 | |
| 1930s | 12,502 | |
| 1940s | 17,010 | |
| 1950s | 31,707 | |
| 1960s | 42,439 | |
| 1970s | 67,102 | |
| 1980s | 87,451 | |
| 1990s ★ | 119,739 | |
| 2000s | 116,060 | |
| 2010s | 55,178 | |
| 2020s | 11,286 | |
What are good nicknames for Jose?
What names sound and feel like Jose?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jose also consider these
Common questions about the name Jose
What does the name Jose mean?
Jose means "God will add" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Jose?
Jose is currently ranked #93 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Jose?
Jose originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Jose?
Jose is a two-syllable name pronounced hoh-ZAY. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jose more of a girl or boy name?
Jose is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.