First Name
2.6m
in the U.S.
since 1880
Last Name
101k
in the U.S.
in 2010
Girls
Boys
On This Page
  1. Related Names
  2. Pronunciation
  3. Meanings and Origins
  4. Notable Persons Named Joseph
  5. Notable Persons With the Last Name Joseph
  6. Popularity by Year and Gender
  7. Regional Popularity
  8. Ethnicity Distribution
  9. Fun Facts
  10. What Josephs Have Visited This Page?
  11. Name Poster

How to Pronounce Joseph

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Meaning and Origin

What does the name Joseph mean? Find out below.

Origin and Meaning of Joseph

User Submitted Origins

English
40%
Hebrew
30%
African
7%
Nigerian
7%
Arabic
3%
Italian
3%
French
3%
American
3%
African American
3%

User Submitted Meanings

  • A user from Kansas, United States says the name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "He will add".
  • A user from Texas, United States says the name Joseph is of Unknown origin and means "King of Dreams".
  • A user from Georgia, United States says the name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "He will add".
  • A user from Wisconsin, United States says the name Joseph is of Unknown origin and means ""May he add"".
  • According to a user from New York, United States, the name Joseph is of Unknown origin and means "Son of king jacob".

Submit the origin and/or meaning of Joseph to us below

Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun Jo"seph
An outer garment worn in the 18th century; esp., a woman's riding habit, buttoned down the front.
Other Dictionary Sources
  1. (New Testament) husband of Mary and (in Christian belief) the foster father of Jesus
  2. (Old Testament) the 11th son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel; Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors, which made his brothers jealous and they sold him into slavery in Egypt
  3. Leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
    Synonyms: chief joseph
Wiktionary

Old Testament Hebrew יוֹסֵף (Yoséf, “(God) shall add”); a son of Jacob.

  1. (biblical) Eleventh and favorite son of Jacob, by his wife Rachel.
  2. The husband of Virgin Mary.
  3. The 12th sura (chapter) of the Quran
  4. (Christianity) Joseph of Arimathea; man who donated his own prepared tomb for the burial of Jesus.
  5. A male given name, popular as a middle name.

Joseph was also found in the following language(s): French, German, and Manx

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Notable Persons Named Joseph

Joseph Stalin

Joseph Stalin was a General secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, General secretaryof theCentral Committeeof theCommunist Party of the Soviet Union, and Chairmanof theCouncil of Ministers. Joseph was born on December 18th, 1878 in Gori, Georgia. He passed away on March 5th, 1953.

Popularity:
Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa is an actor, model, director, writer, and producer. His ongoing career started in 1998. Jason was given the name Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa on August 1st, 1979 in Honolulu.

Popularity:
Joseph G. Christopher

Joseph was born on July 26th, 1955 in New York. He passed away on March 1st, 1993.

Popularity:
Joseph Goebbels

Joseph Goebbels was a Hitler Cabinet. Joseph was given the name Paul Joseph Goebbels on October 29th, 1897 in Rheydt. He passed away on May 1st, 1945.

Popularity:
Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan is a satire, political satire, ribaldry, and observational comedy comedian. Joe was given the name Joseph James Rogan on August 11th, 1967 in Newark, New Jersey, United States.

Popularity:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an actor, filmmaker, and production company owner. He was most active from 1988 to present. Joseph was given the name Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt on February 17th, 1981 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Popularity:
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Notable Persons With the Last Name Joseph

Tyler Joseph

Tyler Joseph is an alternative hip hop, electropop, and indie pop musician. He plays Vocals, Ukulele, Piano, Keytar, Bass guitar, Accordion, and Electronic keyboard. He was most active from 2009 to present. Tyler was born on December 1st, 1988.

Popularity:
Saint Joseph

He holds the title Foster-father ofJesus Christ, Prince, and Patron of the Universal Church. Saint was born in -90. He died in 20.

Popularity:
Lesley Joseph

Lesley Joseph is a presenter, actor, broadcaster, and actress. She has had major accomplishments since 1969. Lesley was given the name Lesley Diana Joseph on October 14th, 1945 in Hackney, London, England.

Popularity:
Mandakini

Mandakini is an actress. She was most active from 1985 to 1999. Mandakini was given the name Yasmeen Joseph on July 30th, 1963 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Mandakini is also known as Mandakini Joseph Thakur.

Popularity:
Meera Jasmine

Meera Jasmine is an actress. She was most active from 2001 to present. Meera was given the name Jasmine Mary Joseph on February 15th, 1982 in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.

Popularity:
Paterson Joseph

Paterson Joseph is an actor. He has had major accomplishments since 1988. Paterson was born Paterson Joseph on June 22nd, 1964 in London.

Popularity:
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How popular is the baby name Joseph in the U.S.?

Click Here to Show Chart Data
Year Total Babies Born Girls Born Boys Born Ranking
1880 2,642 10 2,632 #7 boy name
1881 2,466 10 2,456 #7 boy name
1882 2,676 6 2,670 #7 boy name
1883 2,532 17 2,515 #7 boy name
1884 2,716 9 2,707 #7 boy name
1885 2,554 14 2,540 #7 boy name
1886 2,602 8 2,594 #7 boy name
1887 2,469 13 2,456 #7 boy name
1888 3,011 18 2,993 #7 boy name
1889 2,736 7 2,729 #7 boy name
1890 2,681 11 2,670 #7 boy name
1891 2,583 11 2,572 #7 boy name
1892 3,077 13 3,064 #7 boy name
1893 3,023 26 2,997 #6 boy name
1894 2,994 17 2,977 #6 boy name
1895 3,015 23 2,992 #7 boy name
1896 3,075 24 3,051 #6 boy name
1897 2,847 20 2,827 #6 boy name
1898 3,194 23 3,171 #6 boy name
1899 2,698 19 2,679 #6 boy name
1900 3,728 14 3,714 #7 boy name
1901 2,780 14 2,766 #6 boy name
1902 3,106 8 3,098 #7 boy name
1903 3,134 13 3,121 #6 boy name
1904 3,309 18 3,291 #7 boy name
1905 3,324 22 3,302 #7 boy name
1906 3,548 21 3,527 #7 boy name
1907 3,856 12 3,844 #7 boy name
1908 4,183 21 4,162 #6 boy name
1909 4,378 30 4,348 #6 boy name
1910 5,257 29 5,228 #6 boy name
1911 6,516 28 6,488 #6 boy name
1912 12,106 44 12,062 #5 boy name
1913 14,509 38 14,471 #5 boy name
1914 18,898 69 18,829 #5 boy name
1915 23,121 69 23,052 #5 boy name
1916 23,960 77 23,883 #5 boy name
1917 24,856 94 24,762 #5 boy name
1918 26,353 90 26,263 #7 boy name
1919 24,353 89 24,264 #7 boy name
1920 25,703 112 25,591 #7 boy name
1921 26,300 120 26,180 #7 boy name
1922 25,804 104 25,700 #7 boy name
1923 25,666 106 25,560 #7 boy name
1924 25,561 135 25,426 #7 boy name
1925 24,747 132 24,615 #7 boy name
1926 23,923 161 23,762 #8 boy name
1927 23,671 167 23,504 #9 boy name
1928 22,488 182 22,306 #9 boy name
1929 21,323 159 21,164 #9 boy name
1930 21,122 141 20,981 #9 boy name
1931 19,443 112 19,331 #9 boy name
1932 18,664 104 18,560 #9 boy name
1933 17,261 100 17,161 #9 boy name
1934 17,190 87 17,103 #10 boy name
1935 17,258 76 17,182 #10 boy name
1936 17,523 70 17,453 #11 boy name
1937 17,377 61 17,316 #12 boy name
1938 17,809 75 17,734 #12 boy name
1939 17,775 60 17,715 #12 boy name
1940 18,269 64 18,205 #12 boy name
1941 19,866 66 19,800 #12 boy name
1942 22,500 79 22,421 #11 boy name
1943 22,887 66 22,821 #13 boy name
1944 21,251 81 21,170 #13 boy name
1945 20,874 58 20,816 #14 boy name
1946 24,340 61 24,279 #14 boy name
1947 27,581 68 27,513 #14 boy name
1948 26,873 69 26,804 #13 boy name
1949 26,466 56 26,410 #14 boy name
1950 27,090 64 27,026 #13 boy name
1951 28,209 53 28,156 #14 boy name
1952 28,592 68 28,524 #12 boy name
1953 29,317 59 29,258 #13 boy name
1954 31,277 76 31,201 #13 boy name
1955 31,690 86 31,604 #13 boy name
1956 32,799 84 32,715 #12 boy name
1957 31,900 94 31,806 #12 boy name
1958 30,176 81 30,095 #12 boy name
1959 29,615 92 29,523 #13 boy name
1960 29,866 120 29,746 #12 boy name
1961 29,557 112 29,445 #12 boy name
1962 30,188 105 30,083 #13 boy name
1963 30,238 137 30,101 #13 boy name
1964 30,668 118 30,550 #11 boy name
1965 28,780 120 28,660 #11 boy name
1966 27,091 100 26,991 #15 boy name
1967 26,062 122 25,940 #15 boy name
1968 25,535 134 25,401 #16 boy name
1969 26,341 154 26,187 #15 boy name
1970 26,870 138 26,732 #16 boy name
1971 24,665 148 24,517 #15 boy name
1972 22,597 128 22,469 #12 boy name
1973 21,462 134 21,328 #12 boy name
1974 21,962 124 21,838 #12 boy name
1975 22,274 132 22,142 #12 boy name
1976 24,214 142 24,072 #12 boy name
1977 26,668 176 26,492 #10 boy name
1978 26,848 180 26,668 #10 boy name
1979 28,876 209 28,667 #11 boy name
1980 30,419 217 30,202 #10 boy name
1981 30,958 186 30,772 #11 boy name
1982 31,243 196 31,047 #11 boy name
1983 30,667 211 30,456 #11 boy name
1984 30,723 211 30,512 #10 boy name
1985 30,440 227 30,213 #10 boy name
1986 29,041 208 28,833 #12 boy name
1987 28,727 217 28,510 #12 boy name
1988 29,185 182 29,003 #12 boy name
1989 30,008 139 29,869 #11 boy name
1990 30,211 84 30,127 #10 boy name
1991 29,923 88 29,835 #9 boy name
1992 27,962 68 27,894 #11 boy name
1993 27,074 67 27,007 #12 boy name
1994 25,805 77 25,728 #11 boy name
1995 25,407 62 25,345 #12 boy name
1996 24,806 52 24,754 #12 boy name
1997 23,634 45 23,589 #12 boy name
1998 23,228 50 23,178 #11 boy name
1999 23,254 44 23,210 #8 boy name
2000 22,849 24 22,825 #8 boy name
2001 22,031 27 22,004 #8 boy name
2002 21,926 35 21,891 #7 boy name
2003 21,392 31 21,361 #6 boy name
2004 20,226 103 20,123 #9 boy name
2005 19,246 36 19,210 #9 boy name
2006 18,469 29 18,440 #11 boy name
2007 17,361 28 17,333 #13 boy name
2008 16,601 30 16,571 #13 boy name
2009 14,934 20 14,914 #15 boy name
2010 13,841 16 13,825 #20 boy name
2011 12,987 23 12,964 #22 boy name
2012 12,569 16 12,553 #19 boy name
2013 12,251 20 12,231 #20 boy name
2014 12,112 6 12,106 #20 boy name
2015 11,482 11 11,471 #21 boy name
2016 10,904 12 10,892 #20 boy name
2017 10,379 19 10,360 #19 boy name
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Where is the name Joseph popular?

View popular names by state or region.

Popularity of Joseph as a first name

The map shows the relative popularity of the name Joseph as a first name in each of the states. See other popular names in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey.

Popularity of Joseph as a last name

The map shows the relative popularity of the name Joseph as a last name in each of the states. See other popular names in U.S. Virgin Islands, Louisiana, or Alaska.

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Common last names for Joseph

  • Smith
  • Johnson
  • Miller
  • Brown
  • Williams
  • Jones
  • Davis
  • Martin
  • Thomas
  • Murphy
  • White
  • Wilson
  • Kelly
  • Taylor
  • Thompson
  • Moore
  • Jackson
  • Anderson
  • Sullivan
  • Harris

Common first names for Joseph

Ethnicity Distribution

Ethnicity Joseph U.S.
â–ˆ  White 29.59% 64.26%
â–ˆ  African American 54.19% 11.96%
â–ˆ  Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 9.76% 4.85%
â–ˆ  American Indian and Alaska Native 0.99% 0.69%
â–ˆ  Two or More Ethnicities 2.49% 1.76%
â–ˆ  Hispanic or Latino 2.98% 16.26%

Of Last Name Joseph

People with the last name Joseph are most frequently White or African American

Entire United States

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Fun Facts about the name Joseph

  • What name lists does Joseph rank for?
    #7Most Popular Boy Name
    #7Fastest Rising Boy Name
    #5Classic Boy Names
  • How Popular is the name Joseph? Joseph is the 8th most popular name of all time. In 2017 Joseph was the 19th most popular name. As a last name Joseph was the 313th most popular name in 2010.
  • How many people with the first name Joseph have been born in the United States? From 1880 to 2017, the Social Security Administration has recorded 2,614,083 babies born with the first name Joseph in the United States. That's more than enough people named Joseph to occupy the country of Namibia with an estimated population of 2,364,000 (as of July 1, 2012).
  • What year were 5 or more babies first named Joseph? The name was first given to 5 or more babies in the year 1880 when it was given as a first name to 2,642 new born babies.
  • When was Joseph first recorded in the United States? The oldest recorded birth by the Social Security Administration for the first name Joseph is Thursday, March 20th, 1806.
  • What year had the most people named Joseph born? The highest recorded use of the first name Joseph was in 1956 with a total of 32,715 babies. That's a lot of babies named Joseph!
  • Random Joseph Factoid: According to the 1979 U.S. Social Security Administration data, the first name Joseph ranks 16th in popularity as a baby boy's name in Vermont. Imagine that, 59 babies in Vermont have the same name as you in 1979.
  • Weird things about the name Joseph: Your name in reverse order is Hpesoj. A random rearrangement of the letters in your name (anagram) will give Jseohp. How do you pronounce that?
  • How many people have the last name Joseph? In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau surveyed 100,959 people with the last name Joseph.
  • How likely are you to meet someone with the last name of Joseph? Joseph was ranked as the 313th most popular last name but is still less than 0.1% of the population!
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What Josephs Have Visited This Page?

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Name poster for Joseph

Name poster for Joseph(click to save the high quality version)

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Most Popular Names

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All Name Lists

  • Sources:
  • U.S. Census Bureau: Frequently Occurring Surnames from the Census 2000 (public domain).
  • U.S. Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names, Death Master File (public domain).
  • 1913 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary via the Collaborative International Dictionary of English (License)
  • Other Dictionary Sources: WordNet 3.1 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University (License).
  • Wiktionary: Titles and License.
  • Notable persons via Wikipedia: Titles and License. Click each image for the attribution information.