The name Joss is of English origin and it means "God will increase". It is a shortened form of the given name Joseph, which itself has its roots in the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "He shall add" or "He shall increase".
Joss was first used as a given name in the late 19th century. However, it became popularized in the mid-20th century thanks to the character Joss Ackland, played by actor Peter O'Toole in the film "Lawrence of Arabia". Since then, the name has been steadily gaining popularity and is now considered a classic choice for boys.
The name Joss is often associated with strength, determination, and leadership. It is also seen as a name that exudes confidence and charisma. While it may not be as commonly used as some other names, those who bear it are often remembered for their unique and captivating personalities.
The name Joss has had a variable popularity over the past two decades in the United States. In 2005, there were 17 newborns named Joss, with the number of babies given this name increasing to 20 in 2006. However, the following year saw a decrease to 8 births. The numbers fluctuated over the years, with peaks of 18 births in both 2008 and 2014, and lows of just 5 births in 2013.
Despite these fluctuations, Joss has remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States. Over the 18-year period from 2005 to 2023, there have been a total of 244 babies named Joss. This is a low number compared to more popular names, and indicates that Joss is likely to be considered an unusual or unique name choice.
It's interesting to note that the popularity of the name Joss has not shown any clear trend over time. While some names become increasingly popular or decline in popularity over decades, the number of babies named Joss has remained relatively stable, with no clear upward or downward trend. This suggests that parents who choose the name Joss for their child may be doing so for personal reasons rather than following a broader naming trend.
In recent years, the number of newborns named Joss has remained low, with only 7 births in both 2021 and 2022, and 9 births in 2023. This suggests that while Joss may not be a highly popular name, it continues to be chosen by some parents as a distinctive and meaningful name choice for their child.