Joost

YOHST

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The name Joost means “just, righteous.” It comes from the Dutch language tradition.

The Dutch form of Justus, Joost carries connotations of justice and righteousness. It was borne by Joost van den Vondel, considered the greatest Dutch poet. The name is solidly traditional while remaining current in the Netherlands, projecting Dutch integrity and fairness.

Wiktionary and Wikipedia both trace Joost to the earlier Dutch form Joos, and from there to Iodocus/Jodocus, ultimately Saint Judoc, a 7th-century Breton saint — Jodocus to Josse to Joos to Joost, per Wikipedia. Wikipedia adds that the name Justus was sometimes used to represent Joost, which may have caused later confusion between Justus and Jodocus over the name's true origin, so the 'Dutch form of Justus' gloss given elsewhere looks like that confusion rather than the documented derivation. A second Wiktionary entry offers an unclear alternative theory connecting Joos to a word for 'god', but the source text is too garbled to state with confidence.

Wikipedia notes the pronunciation of Joost differs between the Netherlands and Afrikaans, reflecting its continued use in both, though no specific date of first use as a given name is given.

• Joost van den Vondel (greatest Dutch poet)
• Joost Klein (Dutch singer and entertainer)

Sibling names that share Joost's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.