Joseph
Joseph is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “God will add; God will increase.” It ranked #29 in the United States in 2025. From the Hebrew Yosef, meaning God will add.
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how do you pronounce Joseph?
JOH-sef
where does the name Joseph come from?
From the Hebrew יוֹסֵף (Yosef), meaning he will add or may God increase. Genesis records Rachel naming him with the wish that God add to her another son, so the name is a petition for what comes next rather than a comment on the child at hand.
In the Bible, Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob who rose from slavery to become viceroy of Egypt. The name has been universally popular across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
the history of Joseph
Two men called Joseph frame the New Testament story — the husband of Mary, and Joseph of Arimathea, who provided the tomb — while the Joseph of Genesis, sold by his brothers and risen to govern Egypt, anchors the Hebrew Bible narrative. The name is shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, where he is Yusuf, and it has never left common English use.
how popular is this name?
Joseph has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #5 in 1912, and ranked #29 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #29 |
| 2024 | #32 |
| 2023 | #29 |
| 2022 | #30 |
| 2021 | #28 |
| 2020 | #26 |
| 2019 | #24 |
| 2018 | #23 |
| 2017 | #18 |
| 2016 | #20 |
| 2010 | #20 |
| 2000 | #8 |
| 1990 | #10 |
| 1980 | #10 |
| 1970 | #16 |
| 1960 | #12 |
| 1950 | #13 |
| 1940 | #12 |
| 1930 | #9 |
| 1920 | #7 |
| 1912 | #5 |
| 1910 | #6 |
| 1900 | #7 |
| 1890 | #7 |
| 1880 | #7 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Joseph fell outside the top 1,000.
what are the nicknames and variants of Joseph?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
who are famous people named Joseph?
- Joseph (biblical patriarch)
- Joseph Biden (U.S. president)
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt (actor)
what names are similar to Joseph?
what names go well with Joseph?
Sibling names that share Joseph's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Joseph
What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph means “God will add; God will increase”.
What is the origin of the name Joseph?
Joseph comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include José, Giuseppe, Yosef and Josef.
How popular is the name Joseph?
Joseph ranked #29 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1912, at #5, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Joseph a boy or girl name?
Joseph is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Joseph?
Joseph is pronounced JOH-sef, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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