Jos

Jos is a compact masculine name with diverse international roots. It can function as a shortened form of Joseph (Hebrew for 'God will add') or Joshua (Hebrew for 'God is salvation'), giving it biblical connections. In Dutch and Finnish contexts, Jos stands as an independent name rather than just a nickname. The single-syllable structure gives Jos a straightforward, minimalist quality that works well across language barriers. While uncommon in English-speaking countries as a full name, it has greater prevalence in European nations, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. The brevity of Jos makes it practical and unpretentious, appealing to parents seeking simple yet meaningful names. Its international usage provides cultural versatility while maintaining ease of pronunciation across different languages.

Pronounced HOSE.

As of October 2026, Jos ranked #11387 in US births in 2021 SSA, peaked at #2951 in 1915.