Find out how popular the first name Joseph has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Joseph by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Joseph is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Joseph being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7,237 male babies and 12 female babies born with the name Joseph.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 12 baby girls were named Joseph in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Joseph

The name Joseph has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, which means "he will add" or "he will increase." The name can be traced back to the biblical patriarch Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, whose story is recounted in the Book of Genesis.

The name Joseph appears prominently in various religious texts, most notably the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. In the Bible, Joseph is portrayed as a virtuous and wise man who interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and rose to a position of power in ancient Egypt. His story is one of resilience, forgiveness, and divine providence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Joseph dates back to around 1500 BCE, when it was found inscribed on an Egyptian papyrus document. Throughout history, the name has been popular among many cultures and religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Notable historical figures with the name Joseph include:

1. Joseph, the son of Jacob (born circa 1700 BCE): The biblical patriarch whose story is told in the Book of Genesis.
2. Joseph the Betrothed (1st century BCE/CE): The husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus, according to Christian tradition.
3. Joseph of Arimathea (1st century CE): A wealthy Jewish disciple of Jesus who provided the tomb for his burial, according to the New Testament.
4. Joseph ben Matthias (37-100 CE): A Jewish historian and scholar, better known as Flavius Josephus, who wrote extensively about Jewish history and the First Jewish-Roman War.
5. Joseph Haydn (1732-1809): An Austrian composer of the Classical period, considered one of the most influential figures in the development of the symphony and string quartet.

The name Joseph has endured across centuries and cultures, carrying with it a rich history and symbolism. Its biblical roots, combined with its association with notable figures throughout history, have contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Joseph was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Joseph, please contact us.

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