35 Variations of Joseph
- Joseph
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Joseph is one of the most classic names in American nomenclature, popular with parents from many ethnic backgrounds and having dual-religious appeal.
- Giuseppe
Origin:
Italian variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
This form of Joseph is an enduring classic in Italy where it remains in the Top 20. In the States it's been hovering under the radar for decades, but its spirited, distinctive-yet-familiar sounds might help it catch on, as Giovanni has
- Yusuf
Origin:
Arabic variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Yusuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, used in the Middle East, as well as internationally from France and the US, to the UK, Turkey and Azerbaijan - where, as of 2023, it ranked in the Top 100.
- Jo
Origin:
Short form of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Jo is usually the feminine form of the name, while Joe is the masculine spelling.
- Yosef
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
A widely used Hebrew form of Joseph, with a sophisticated and continental air.
- Pino
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of names such as GiuseppinoDescription:
There are many more substantial Italian choices.
- Iokepa
Description:
Iokepa is a masculine Hawaiian name that is the Hawaiian form of Joseph, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God will increase.' The name reflects Hawaii's unique linguistic traditions and cultural heritage, demonstrating how Biblical names were adapted into the Hawaiian language following European contact. Pronounced 'yo-KEH-pa,' it features the melodic vowel patterns characteristic of Hawaiian names. Iokepa remains primarily used within Hawaiian families and communities, representing cultural pride and connection to heritage. For Hawaiian families, choosing this name often reflects a desire to honor both ancestral traditions and family connections while celebrating the distinct cultural identity of Hawaii.
- Osip
Description:
Osip is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Joseph (Yosef), meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' It gained prominence in Russian history and literature, notably through the poet Osip Mandelstam. The name has historical significance in Eastern European and Russian Orthodox traditions but has remained relatively uncommon outside these regions. Osip has never ranked high on Western naming charts, maintaining its distinctive cultural identity. The name carries a strong, concise sound with its two syllables, offering a unique alternative to the more common Joseph. Parents drawn to this name often appreciate its literary connections, Russian heritage, or are seeking a distinctive name with historical roots.
- Joseba
Description:
Joseba is a masculine Basque form of Joseph, originating from the Basque Country spanning northern Spain and southwestern France. The name derives ultimately from Hebrew, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Joseba maintains strong cultural significance within Basque communities, where traditional names are treasured as expressions of cultural identity and heritage. While uncommon outside Basque regions, it offers a distinctive alternative to the more widespread Joseph variants. The name carries both religious significance from its biblical roots and cultural importance as part of Basque naming traditions, making it a meaningful choice that connects a child to this unique European heritage.
- Pepito
Description:
Pepito is a Spanish diminutive of José (Joseph), adding an affectionate quality to the original name. The -ito suffix indicates smallness or endearment in Spanish culture. It's commonly used as a nickname for boys named José, but has also become a standalone name in Hispanic communities. Pepito carries a warm, friendly connotation and evokes a sense of youthfulness. While more common as a nickname than an official given name, it maintains popularity in Spanish-speaking regions and communities. The name has occasionally appeared in literature and popular culture, reinforcing its cultural significance. Pepito's friendly sound and clear cultural roots give it a distinctive charm that continues to appeal to parents seeking a name with Latin heritage.
- Iòseph
Description:
Iòseph is a distinctive variant of Joseph, featuring Scottish Gaelic or other Celtic language influences as evidenced by the accent mark over the 'o'. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'he will add' or 'God will increase'. This variation maintains the rich biblical heritage of Joseph, who was a significant figure in the Old Testament as the son of Jacob who became an important official in Egypt. While less common than the standard Joseph spelling, Iòseph offers parents seeking a masculine name with cultural depth a unique option that honors Celtic linguistic traditions while preserving the respected heritage and meaning of its more familiar counterpart.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Józef
Description:
Józef is the Polish form of Joseph, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' This masculine name has been popular throughout Poland's history, carried by numerous notable Polish figures including Józef Piłsudski, a revolutionary leader and the first head of the independent Polish state. The name is written with the Polish letter 'ó' and pronounced roughly as 'YOO-zef.' While maintaining strong connections to Polish culture and Catholic tradition, Józef has seen varying levels of popularity over generations, sometimes giving way to more international variants. Despite this, it remains a classic Polish name that evokes strength and tradition. Outside of Poland and Polish diaspora communities, the name is relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice that proudly displays Polish heritage.
- Yazid
Description:
Yazid is a masculine name with Arabic origins, meaning "increase" or "he who adds." It has historical significance in Islamic culture, as it was the name of several caliphs and notable figures throughout Middle Eastern history. The name carries connotations of growth, abundance, and prosperity. While traditionally popular in Arabic-speaking countries and Muslim communities worldwide, Yazid has gained limited recognition in Western countries as cultural boundaries become more fluid. The name is appreciated for its distinctive sound, meaningful etymology, and cultural significance. Yazid has a strong, concise phonetic quality with its two clear syllables and distinctive 'z' sound, making it both memorable and relatively easy to pronounce across different languages.
- Kep
Description:
Kep is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Cambodian geography, referring to Kep Province, giving it cultural significance in Southeast Asian contexts. Alternatively, it could be a shortened form of names like Kepler or keeper, or even a surname adapted for first-name use. The brevity of Kep gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that works well in contemporary naming trends favoring short, impactful names. The name's rarity makes it statistically uncommon in most regions, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options. With its crisp sound and easy pronunciation across multiple languages, Kep offers simplicity while remaining memorable.