35 Variations of Joseph

Grandpa Joe's namesakes can take many forms, as the baby names here demonstrate.
  1. Joseph
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Giuseppe
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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
  3. Yusuf
    • Origin:

      Arabic variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Jo
    • Origin:

      Short form of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Jo is usually the feminine form of the name, while Joe is the masculine spelling.
  5. Pepe
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of JosÉ
    • Description:

      Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.
  6. Josef
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Josef
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Josef
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Josef
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Josef
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Josef
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Yousef
    • Origin:

      Persian variation of Yusuf, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "God increases"
    • Description:

      While Yusuf is the more popular Arabic form of Joseph, Yousef is the Persian variant and is sometimes used as an Arabic transcription. Currently in the Top 500 in the UK and the Top 1000 in the US, it is still a familiar choice.
  13. Yosef
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      A widely used Hebrew form of Joseph, with a sophisticated and continental air.
  14. Pino
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of names such as Giuseppino
    • Description:

      There are many more substantial Italian choices.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.
  19. Seosamh
    • Description:

      Seosamh is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Joseph, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Pronounced approximately as 'SHAW-suv' or 'SHO-sav,' this name reflects Ireland's linguistic heritage and cultural identity. While common knowledge of Irish names has grown internationally, Seosamh remains primarily used within Ireland or among diaspora communities with strong Irish cultural connections. It represents a way to honor both biblical tradition and Irish heritage simultaneously. The name gained renewed interest during periods of Irish cultural revival but remains less common than its anglicized version, Joseph. Seosamh offers parents a way to connect with authentic Irish language and tradition while using a name with deep historical roots.
  20. 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.