What does Joseph mean and where does it come from?
Joseph (Hebrew: יוֹסֵף) has roots in the Hebrew language and is often associated with the Biblical figure Joseph, son of Jacob. The name is commonly used in various cultures, often shortened to 'Joe' or in different forms such as 'Jose' in Spanish and 'Giuseppe' in Italian. It signifies divine provi
Cultural significance
Joseph has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of yosef.
Peak popularity
Reached #5 in 1912 — currently #29 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Joseph?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Joseph?
Joseph works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Joseph Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Joseph Rose
Floral · soft ending
Joseph Mae
Sweet · timeless
Joseph Claire
French influence · crisp
Joseph Jane
Literary · strong
Joseph Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Joseph right now?
Holding steady — currently #29 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #29 | 7,268 | ▲ up 1 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #30 | 7,828 | ▼ down 2 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #28 | 8,155 | ▼ down 2 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #26 | 8,349 | ▼ down 5 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #21 | 11,487 | ▼ down 1 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #20 | 13,830 | ▼ down 11 · -28% births |
| 2005 | #9 | 19,217 | ▼ down 1 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #8 | 22,831 | ▲ up 4 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #12 | 25,345 | ▼ down 2 · -16% births |
| 1990 | #10 | 30,128 | stable |
| 1985 | #10 | 30,212 | stable |
| 1980 | #10 | 30,203 | ▲ up 2 · +36% births |
| 1975 | #12 | 22,139 | ▲ up 4 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #16 | 26,736 | ▼ down 5 · -7% births |
| 1965 | #11 | 28,659 | — |
The story of Joseph
Joseph has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #5 in 1912, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 2641K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Joseph is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Joseph in 1912:
Joseph by decade
Joseph peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 26,404 | |
| 1890s | 29,187 | |
| 1900s | 35,346 | |
| 1910s | 179,929 | |
| 1920s | 245,187 | |
| 1930s | 181,429 | |
| 1940s | 230,913 | |
| 1950s | 300,675 | |
| 1960s | 284,331 | |
| 1970s | 246,451 | |
| 1980s ★ | 301,432 | |
| 1990s | 261,323 | |
| 2000s | 195,087 | |
| 2010s | 115,384 | |
| 2020s | 8,358 | |
What are good nicknames for Joseph?
DUTCH
JefJoepJoopJoosJoostJosSjefZef
Famous people named Joseph
J(
Joseph (historical figure)
Joseph bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Joseph?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Joseph also consider these
How is Joseph written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Joseph?
Common questions about the name Joseph
What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph means "Yosef" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Joseph?
Joseph is currently ranked #29 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 Joseph?
Joseph originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Joseph?
Joseph is a two-syllable name pronounced JH OW1 S AH0 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Joseph more of a girl or boy name?
Joseph is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.