Joseph, a name with deep biblical roots, has maintained its popularity across cultures and generations.
Origin: Hebrew name “Yosef,” meaning “He (God) shall add” or “God will increase.”
Biblical Significance: In the Old Testament, Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob and first son of Rachel, known for his coat of many colors and his rise to power in Egypt.
Popularity:
- Consistently popular in Christian-majority countries
- In the US, it has rarely left the top 20 names since records began
- Popular variations exist in many languages
Variations:
- José (Spanish, Portuguese)
- Giuseppe (Italian)
- Josef (German, Czech)
- Yusuf (Arabic)
- Iosif (Russian)
Notable Josephs:
- Joseph Stalin (Soviet leader)
- Joe Biden (US President)
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Actor)
Nicknames:
- Joe
- Joey
- Jos
Joseph combines timeless appeal with rich cultural and religious significance, making it a perennial favorite for parents seeking a classic, meaningful name.
