Joseph

Joseph Origin and Meaning

The name Joseph is a girl's name.

Joseph as a feminine name represents an unusual gender crossover of a traditionally masculine name with deep biblical roots. The original Joseph derives from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'he will add' or 'God will increase.' While Joseph has a long history as one of the most enduring masculine names across many cultures, its use for girls remains exceptionally rare. This feminine usage might reflect the modern trend of repurposing traditionally male names for girls, similar to names like James or Ryan that have seen some feminine adoption. Parents choosing Joseph for a daughter might be honoring a family member, appreciating the name's strong biblical legacy, or simply embracing its unconventional nature for girls. The feminine use of Joseph offers built-in nickname options like Jo or Josie that align more with traditional feminine naming patterns.

Popularity of the name Joseph

• 1729 Nameberry 2025