The name Joseph is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "Jehovah increases". Joseph is ranked #23 on our popularity charts and is often added to lists like Bible Names for Boys and discussed in our forums with posts like "Names on NB that make you go WOW!".
From the experts:
Joseph is one of the most classic names in American nomenclature, popular with parents from many ethnic backgrounds and having dual-religious appeal. In the Old Testament, Joseph is the 12th and favorite son of Jacob and Rachel; in the New Testament, it is the name of the carpenter husband of the Virgin Mary, mother of Christ. The warm and friendly nickname Joe is the all-time regular guy name, as in Joe Blow, G.I. Joe, etc., celebrated in songs like 'Happiness is Just a Thing Called Joe.' Joe is frequently used on its own, as Kate Winslet did for her son. So even if Joseph may not be as popular as it once was, it will always be a strong and solid choice. Variations of Joseph are popular worldwide, including Jose, Giuseppe and Josef, while the female Josephine is a currently enjoying a style revival.
Lists containing Joseph
Joseph in Blog Posts
Joseph in the Forums
16 names similar to Joseph
These 16 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Joseph. If you didn't find an alternative name that you like better than Joseph, try our name generator. It allows you to go beyond the similarities of a name, which can provide a lot of inspiration!
Popularity
Comments
ILoveBabyNames123 Says:
Paigeofabook2000 Says:
I know a little boy named Joseph. Most of my friends and I call him Joseph, but his sister (my best friend) calls him Joe-Bub. ^_^
Alaina Says:
Joseph is an alright name to me.
paulapuddephatt Says:
Classic and handsome, love Joe
hermioneameliastyles Says:
I'd prefer if my little boy went by Joseph and not Joe or Joey. It' not that I don't like Joey from Friends, I just prefer Joseph.
Nozomi Says:
I've met a couple of Josephs but that never really changed my opinion on how I feel about it. I'm just really not a fan, although it isn't the worst.
Impwood Says:
I really like the name Joseph. The diminutive Joe has a pleasant retro feel.
Essa Says:
This fits into my Thomas category. Love the name. Hate the inevitable nickname.
Leah3456 Says:
Classic.
MJadeF Says:
I really like the name Joseph. The name shows up a couple times in my family with a few variations, too.
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No Way! Name him Joey instead. Gah I hate the full name!