Joseph: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: jo-hse-hph
Origin: Israel
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Middle East
Meaning: He shall add

Joseph is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, which means "he shall add" or "God shall add". The name has great prominence in many religious texts, most significantly in the Old Testament, where Joseph is a favored son of Jacob and Rachel. After being sold into slavery by his brothers due to jealousy, Joseph rises to a high political office in Egypt and eventually reconciles with his estranged family. The name Joseph represents several beloved and just figures in history, symbolizing the merits of fostering a forgiving, kind, and open heart. The name Joseph has a rich background, with various forms and spellings found in different languages and cultures. In the Hebrew Bible, Joseph's name is expressed as יוֹסֵף (Yosef), while in the Greek Septuagint, it is written as Ἰωσήφ (Ioseph). The name is also associated with Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary, and to Joseph of Arimathea in the New Testament. The popularity of the name Joseph has remained consistent over time, maintaining a presence within the top 25 names for boys in the United States since 1880.

Joseph Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Joseph is currently #67 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Joseph is currently #67 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Joseph is currently #65 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Joseph is currently #65 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Parents Who Like the Name Joseph Also Like:

Parents who like the name Joseph often have similar name preferences and tend to choose popular choices like:

Famous People Named Joseph

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Joseph, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an American actor, filmmaker, singer, and entrepreneur known for his roles in "Inception," "500 Days of Summer," and "The Dark Knight Rises."
  • Joseph Fiennes: Joseph Fiennes is an English actor known for his roles in "Shakespeare in Love," "The Handmaid's Tale," and "Elizabeth."
  • Joseph Pulitzer: Joseph Pulitzer was a Hungarian-American newspaper publisher known for establishing the Pulitzer Prizes. He passed away in 1911.
  • Joseph Morgan: A British actor and director, best known for his role as Klaus Mikaelson in "The Vampire Diaries" and its spin-off "The Originals".

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