The Name Library LogoThe Name Library
A-Z BrowseFinderAI FinderBlogFavoritesCompare
A-Z BrowseFinderAI FinderBlogFavoritesCompare

© 2026 The Name Library. All rights reserved.

BlogAbout & FeedbackPrivacy Policy
Joseph | Meaning, Origin & History | The Name Library

Name Detail

Joseph

Joseph is a common male name, derived from the Hebrew Yosef. "Joseph" is used, along with "Josef", mostly in English, French and partially German languages. This spelling is also found as a variant in the languages of the modern-day Nordic countries. In Portuguese and Spanish, the name is "José". In Arabic, including in the Quran, the name is spelled يوسف, Yūsuf. In Kurdish (Kurdî), the name is Ûsiv or Yûsiv, Persian, the name is Yousef, and in Turkish it is Yusuf. In Pashto the name is spelled Esaf (ايسپ) and in Malayalam it is spelled Ousep (ഔസേപ്പ്). In Tamil, it is spelled as Yosepu (யோசேப்பு).

Hebrew originJewish traditionBiblicalNatureShort

Meaning

Joseph is a common male name, derived from the Hebrew Yosef. "Joseph" is used, along with "Josef", m

Snapshot

A boy name with 2 syllables. Currently considered popular.

Popularity Over Time

U.S. Data (2000-2023)

Explore how the popularity of Joseph has changed over the last two decades.

Historical Context & Cultural Origin

Joseph is a common male name derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "He will add" or "God will increase". It is a significant name in Abrahamic religions, most notably appearing in the Old Testament as the father of Jesus and in the Book of Genesis as the 11th son of Jacob.

Famous Namesakes

Joseph Smith, Joseph Stalin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Joseph Heller, Joseph Addison

Nicknames & Variations

Joe, Joey, Jo

AI Cultural Insight

Deep dive into history & etymology

Names you might also love

Jesus

Hebrew

Jesus is a masculine given name derived from Iēsous, the Ancient Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshu

Zion

Hebrew

Zion is a given name and surname derived from the ancient Canaanite hill fortress in Jerusalem calle

Jacob

Hebrew

to follow, to be behind

Ethan

Hebrew

firm, enduring, strong and long-lived

Caleb

Hebrew

faithful

Elijah

Back to resultsSurprise me
Hebrew

Elijah is a masculine given name after the prophet Elijah in the Hebrew Bible. Elijah was among the