What does Josephus mean and where does it come from?
The name Josephus is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוסף), which means 'He Will Add' or 'God Will Add'. Josephus is often associated with the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, who lived during the 1st century AD and is known for his works on Jewish history and the Jewish War against the Romans
Cultural significance
Josephus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of יוסף.
Peak popularity
Reached #835 in 1897 — currently #13125 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Josephus?
Josephus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Josephus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Josephus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Josephus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Josephus Claire
French influence · crisp
Josephus Jane
Literary · strong
Josephus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Josephus right now?
Falling — down 1736 spots — currently #13125 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13125 | 5 | ▼ down 1736 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #11389 | 6 | ▼ down 2477 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #8912 | 5 | ▼ down 4225 · -55% births |
| 1990 | #4687 | 11 | ▲ up 41 · +38% births |
| 1985 | #4728 | 8 | ▼ down 1087 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #3641 | 11 | ▼ down 190 · +10% births |
| 1975 | #3451 | 10 | ▼ down 357 |
| 1970 | #3094 | 10 | ▲ up 191 · +43% births |
| 1965 | #3285 | 7 | ▼ down 1150 · -53% births |
| 1960 | #2135 | 15 | ▼ down 65 |
| 1955 | #2070 | 15 | ▼ down 491 · -32% births |
| 1950 | #1579 | 22 | ▲ up 138 · +38% births |
| 1945 | #1717 | 16 | ▼ down 132 · -16% births |
| 1940 | #1585 | 19 | ▲ up 1176 · +138% births |
| 1935 | #2761 | 8 | — |
The story of Josephus
Josephus has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 1,200 total births recorded, Josephus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #906 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13125 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Josephus in 1897:
Josephus by decade
Josephus peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 35 | |
| 1890s | 24 | |
| 1900s | 18 | |
| 1910s | 143 | |
| 1920s ★ | 206 | |
| 1930s | 156 | |
| 1940s | 157 | |
| 1950s | 140 | |
| 1960s | 94 | |
| 1970s | 89 | |
| 1980s | 59 | |
| 1990s | 46 | |
| 2000s | 21 | |
| 2010s | 12 | |
💎With 1,200 total births, Josephus is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Josephus?
DUTCH
JefJoepJoopJoosJoostJosSjefZef
What names sound and feel like Josephus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Josephus also consider these
How is Josephus written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Josephus?
Common questions about the name Josephus
What does the name Josephus mean?
Josephus means "יוסף" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Josephus?
Josephus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Josephus?
Josephus originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Josephus?
Josephus is a three-syllable name pronounced JH OW0 S IY1 F AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Josephus?
Josephus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Israel heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.