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NamyLab

Joseph

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"May God Add"

From Hebrew Yosef, it expresses increase and appears prominently in both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament narratives.

Themes:additionbiblicalpatriarchsaint
Biblical

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Joseph

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#32Top 50

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#32

Joseph was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
-3

lower than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Joseph Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Joseph.

12 ideas
Joe
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Joey
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Jo
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Seph
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jo
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jose
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josy
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seph
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sepy
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JO
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jy
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jie
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Baby Name Lists That Include Joseph

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Joseph, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

19 linked lists

Famous Josephs

  • J
    Joseph (Bible)
    Hebrew patriarch sold into slavery in Egypt, as told in Genesis
  • J
    Joseph Stalin
    Soviet political leader who led the USSR during World War II

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph means "May God Add". From Hebrew Yosef, it expresses increase and appears prominently in both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament narratives.
What is the origin of Joseph?
Joseph is of Hebrew origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Joseph?
According to the latest SSA data, Joseph is currently ranked #32 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Joseph a boy name?
Joseph is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Joseph?
Popular nicknames for Joseph include Joe, Joey, Jo, Seph, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Joseph?
There are many names similar to Joseph in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginHebrew
Syllables2
Length6 letters
US Rank#32
Trend↓ Falling
Starts withJ

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Boy Names Like Joseph

Joseph has Hebrew roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Hebrew baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Joseph appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Biblical Baby Names and Hebrew Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Names That Mean The Sun for Boys and Girls and Names That Mean Child Of God for Boys and Girls.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Joseph pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Joseph beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.