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Joseph name meaning
First Name
2.6m
in the U.S.
since 1880
2.6m
in the U.S.
since 1880
Last Name
101k
in the U.S.
in 2010
101k
in the U.S.
in 2010
Girls
Boys
Meaning and Origin
What does the name Joseph mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Joseph
User Submitted Origins
English
44%
Hebrew
33%
Nigerian
5%
American
5%
African
4%
French
2%
Arabic
2%
Italian
2%
African American
2%
User Submitted Meanings
- 2 submissions from California, U.S. agree the name Joseph means "God will add" and is of Hebrew origin.
- According to a user from California, U.S., the name Joseph is of Arabic origin and means "Gift of god that helped jesus and made like his own son".
- 2 submissions from Louisiana, U.S. agree the name Joseph means "Gift of god" and is of English origin.
- A user from Virginia, U.S. says the name Joseph is of English origin and means "My name is in Hebrew and I am a gift of god".
- A submission from New Jersey, U.S. says the name Joseph means "A gift from god" and is of Spanish origin.
- A user from California, U.S. says the name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God gives second son".
- A submission from Zambia says the name Joseph means "It is a hebrew name meaning God will increase".
- According to 5 people from Texas, U.S., the name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "He will add".
- A user from Texas, U.S. says the name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "He shall add".
- According to a user from Wisconsin, U.S., the name Joseph means "May he add".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun Jo"seph
An outer garment worn in the 18th century; esp., a woman's riding habit, buttoned down the front.
Other Dictionary Sources
- (New Testament) husband of Mary and (in Christian belief) the foster father of Jesus
- (Old Testament) the 11th son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel; Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors, which made his brothers jealous and they sold him into slavery in Egypt
- Leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
Wiktionary
Old Testament Hebrew יוֹסֵף (Yoséf, “(God) shall add”); a son of Jacob.
- (biblical) Eleventh and favorite son of Jacob, by his wife Rachel.
- The husband of Virgin Mary.
- The 12th sura (chapter) of the Qur'an.
- (Christianity) Joseph of Arimathea; man who donated his own prepared tomb for the burial of Jesus.
- A male given name from Hebrew
- An English patronymic surname.
- A French patronymic surname.
- A locale in the United States.
- A city in Oregon; named for Nez Perce chief Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it (called "Chief Joseph" in English).
- A town in Utah; named for Mormon apostle Joseph Angell Young.
- A ghost town in Idaho; named for Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it.
- One whose chastity is above temptation (from the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in Genesis xxxix).
Joseph was also found in the following language(s): Cebuano, French, German, and Manx
Notable Persons Named Joseph
Notable Persons Named Joseph
Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin was a General secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, General secretaryof theCentral Committeeof theCommunist Party of the Soviet Union, and Chairmanof theCouncil of Ministers. Joseph was born on December 18th, 1878 in Gori, Georgia. He passed away on March 5th, 1953.
Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa is an actor, model, director, writer, and producer. His ongoing career started in 1998. Jason was given the name Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa on August 1st, 1979 in Honolulu.
Joseph G. Christopher
Joseph was born on July 26th, 1955 in New York. He passed away on March 1st, 1993.
Joseph Goebbels
Joseph Goebbels was a Hitler Cabinet. Joseph was given the name Paul Joseph Goebbels on October 29th, 1897 in Rheydt. He passed away on May 1st, 1945.
Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan is a satire, political satire, ribaldry, and observational comedy comedian. Joe was given the name Joseph James Rogan on August 11th, 1967 in Newark, New Jersey, United States.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an actor, filmmaker, and production company owner. He was most active from 1988 to present. Joseph was given the name Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt on February 17th, 1981 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Rudyard KiplingShort Story Writer
- Joseph McCarthyOffice Holder
- VijayActor
- Joe JonasMusician
- Joe PesciActor
- Jerry LewisComedian
- Joe WalshMusician
- Mickey RooneyActor
- Joe ManganielloActor
- Joss WhedonWriter
- Joseph Merrick
- Joseph FiennesActor
- Buster KeatonActor
- J. M. W. TurnerArtist
Notable Persons With the Last Name Joseph
Notable Persons With the Last Name Joseph
Tyler Joseph
Tyler Joseph is an alternative hip hop, electropop, and indie pop musician. He plays Vocals, Ukulele, Piano, Keytar, Bass guitar, Accordion, and Electronic keyboard. He was most active from 2009 to present. Tyler was born on December 1st, 1988.
Saint Joseph
He holds the title Foster-father ofJesus Christ, Prince, and Patron of the Universal Church. Saint was born in -90. He died in 20.
Lesley Joseph
Lesley Joseph is a presenter, actor, broadcaster, and actress. She has had major accomplishments since 1969. Lesley was given the name Lesley Diana Joseph on October 14th, 1945 in Hackney, London, England.
Mandakini
Mandakini is an actress. She was most active from 1985 to 1999. Mandakini was given the name Yasmeen Joseph on July 30th, 1963 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Mandakini is also known as Mandakini Joseph Thakur.
Meera Jasmine
Meera Jasmine is an actress. She was most active from 2001 to present. Meera was given the name Jasmine Mary Joseph on February 15th, 1982 in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.
Paterson Joseph
Paterson Joseph is an actor. He has had major accomplishments since 1988. Paterson was born Paterson Joseph on June 22nd, 1964 in London.
Common last names for Joseph
Ethnicity Distribution
| Ethnicity | Joseph | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| █ | White | 29.59% | 64.26% |
| █ | African American | 54.19% | 11.96% |
| █ | Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander | 9.76% | 4.85% |
| █ | American Indian and Alaska Native | 0.99% | 0.69% |
| █ | Two or More Ethnicities | 2.49% | 1.76% |
| █ | Hispanic or Latino | 2.98% | 16.26% |
Of Last Name Joseph
People with the last name Joseph are most frequently White or African American
Entire United States
Fun Facts about the name Joseph
| #7 | Most Popular Boy Names |
| #7 | Fastest Rising Boy Names |
| #5 | Classic Boy Names |