Meaning, origin, history
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "he will add" or "God will increase." It is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, which was borne by several characters in the Bible, most notably Jacob's eleventh son and eventual ruler of Egypt.
The name Joseph has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. In ancient times, it was common among Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Throughout the Middle Ages, it remained a prevalent name in Europe, particularly in France and England.
In modern times, Joseph continues to be a popular choice for boys' names around the world. According to the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 500 most popular baby boy names in the United States since the 1960s.
Some notable figures who have borne the name Joseph include Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus; Joseph Stalin, Soviet leader from 1922 until his death in 1953; and Joe DiMaggio, American baseball player widely considered one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Joeseph since 1880
Total births
2,850
Total since 1880
Peak year
1998
56 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-42%
↘
vs previous 5 years