Joseph

Meaning: he will add · Origin: Hebrew · Gender: usually a boy's name

Origin & history

From Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add'. Joseph with the coat of many colours and Joseph, husband of Mary, are its two great biblical bearers.

Famous people named Joseph

Joseph Haydn (composer)

Nicknames

Joe, Joey, Jody

Variants & related names

José, Giuseppe, Josef, Yusuf

Joseph name art

A free preview of a printable “Joseph” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.

Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.

FAQ

What does the name Joseph mean?

Joseph means “he will add”. It comes from Hebrew.

Is Joseph a popular name?

Yes — Joseph has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.

What are nicknames for Joseph?

Joe, Joey, Jody.

What are other forms of Joseph?

José, Giuseppe, Josef, Yusuf.

Similar names

Jacob · Isaac · Gabriel · Josiah · Joshua · Nathan

More: names starting with J · all boys' names

Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.