Joseph: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning 'he will add' or 'Yahweh will add'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- JOH-zefˈdʒoʊ.zəf
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning 'he will add' or 'Yahweh will add'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Joe, Joey, Jo
- US Popularity (2025)
- #29 — 📉 Falling
What Does Joseph Mean?
Joseph comes from the Hebrew Yosef, from a verb meaning 'to add'. In Genesis, Rachel names her first son Joseph, saying she hopes God will add another son. He becomes Jacob's favourite, is sold into slavery by his brothers, and rises to be the ruler of Egypt under Pharaoh. In the New Testament, Joseph is the husband of Mary.
The name has relatives in nearly every European and Middle Eastern language: José in Spanish, Giuseppe in Italian, Józef in Polish, Yusuf in Arabic and Turkish. In the US it ranked #5 from 1912 to 1917 and was #29 in 2025.
Famous Josephs include Joseph Haydn, the Austrian composer of 104 symphonies, Joseph Conrad, the Polish-born English novelist who wrote 'Heart of Darkness', and Joseph Pulitzer, whose will created the Pulitzer Prizes.
How Popular Is Joseph?
Joseph was #18 in 2017, #28 in 2021, #32 in 2024 and #29 in 2025, after peaking at #5 in the 1910s.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Joseph
Classic pairings
- Joseph James
- Joseph William
- Joseph Alexander
- Joseph Henry
Modern pairings
- Joseph Atlas
- Joseph Wilder
- Joseph Beckett
- Joseph Jasper
One-syllable options
- Joseph Reid
- Joseph Cole
- Joseph Grant
- Joseph Blake
Family-name bridges
- Joseph John
- Joseph David
- Joseph Thomas
- Joseph Paul
Names Similar to Joseph
If you love Joseph, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Joseph
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Joseph
- Joseph HaydnAustrian composer sometimes called the 'father of the symphony'.
- Joseph ConradPolish-born British novelist, author of 'Heart of Darkness' and 'Lord Jim'.
- Joseph PulitzerHungarian-born American newspaper publisher whose bequest created the Pulitzer Prizes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph
Is Joseph a boy or girl name?
Joseph is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Joseph?
Joseph is pronounced JOH-zef (IPA: ˈdʒoʊ.zəf). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Joe, Joey, Jo.
Is Joseph a Hebrew name?
Joseph is of Hebrew origin. Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning 'he will add' or 'Yahweh will add'.
What does Joseph mean?
Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning 'he will add' or 'Yahweh will add'.
Joseph comes from the Hebrew Yosef, from a verb meaning 'to add'. In Genesis, Rachel names her first son Joseph, saying she hopes God will add another son. He becomes Jacob's favourite, is sold into slavery by his brothers, and rises to be the ruler of Egypt under Pharaoh. In the New Testament, Joseph is the husband of Mary.
Is Joseph a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Joseph is a highly popular name. It ranked #29 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Joseph was #18 in 2017, #28 in 2021, #32 in 2024 and #29 in 2025, after peaking at #5 in the 1910s.
What are good middle names for Joseph?
Good middle names for Joseph include classic choices like Joseph James and Joseph William, modern options like Joseph Atlas and Joseph Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Joseph Reid and Joseph Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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