What does Yosef mean and where does it come from?
Yosef (יוסף) is of Hebrew origin, rooted in the biblical narrative of Joseph, the son of Jacob. As an integral figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, his story has been told for centuries. The name symbolizes the idea of increase or addition, as Joseph's mother Rachel hoped to have mor
Cultural significance
Yosef has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of he will add..
Peak popularity
Reached #668 in 2017 — currently #617 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yosef?
Yosef works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yosef Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yosef Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yosef Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yosef Claire
French influence · crisp
Yosef Jane
Literary · strong
Yosef Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yosef right now?
Rising — up 38 spots — currently #617 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #617 | 453 | ▲ up 38 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #655 | 420 | ▲ up 8 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #663 | 410 | ▲ up 45 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #708 | 351 | ▼ down 1 · -1% births |
| 2015 | #707 | 353 | ▲ up 69 · +23% births |
| 2010 | #776 | 287 | ▲ up 3 · +13% births |
| 2005 | #779 | 253 | ▲ up 243 · +77% births |
| 2000 | #1022 | 143 | ▲ up 132 · +44% births |
| 1995 | #1154 | 99 | ▼ down 46 · +5% births |
| 1990 | #1108 | 94 | ▼ down 61 · +21% births |
| 1985 | #1047 | 78 | ▲ up 420 · +81% births |
| 1980 | #1467 | 43 | ▼ down 44 · +10% births |
| 1975 | #1423 | 39 | ▲ up 943 · +144% births |
| 1970 | #2366 | 16 | ▲ up 1103 · +129% births |
| 1965 | #3469 | 7 | — |
The story of Yosef
Yosef entered American naming records in 1951 and has been in use for over 73 years. With 8,375 total births recorded, Yosef remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2752 in 1955 to #617 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yosef in 2017:
Yosef by decade
Yosef peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 72 | |
| 1960s | 91 | |
| 1970s | 351 | |
| 1980s | 707 | |
| 1990s | 1,147 | |
| 2000s | 2,192 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,464 | |
| 2020s | 351 | |
💎With 8,375 total births, Yosef is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Yosef?
DUTCH
JefJoepJoopJoosJoostJosSjefZef
What names sound and feel like Yosef?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yosef also consider these
How is Yosef written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Yosef?
Common questions about the name Yosef
What does the name Yosef mean?
Yosef means "He will add." — 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 Yosef?
Yosef is currently ranked #617 as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yosef have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yosef?
Yosef 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 Yosef?
Yosef is a two-syllable name pronounced Y 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 Yosef trending right now?
Yosef is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.