Joseph

Joseph is a boy name of Hebrew origin, ranked #30 in popularity, meaning God will increase.

What Joseph means

God will increase.

Joseph sits at 6 letters, and ends on a consonant, which gives it a firmer stop.

Where Joseph comes from

Hebrew names are frequently built as short phrases rather than single words, and many are theophoric — they contain a name of God as one element. This is why so many carry a full sentence of meaning.

Joseph is recorded as Hebrew in origin. Browse other Hebrew names.

How popular is Joseph?

Joseph is ranked #30. Names in this band tend to be the comfortable middle ground — recognised everywhere, but common enough to need no explanation and rare enough to still feel chosen.

The character of Joseph

Joseph spans scripture and the long-established classics, which is why it can read differently depending on which association you notice first. Both threads are worth following.

Themes: Biblical, Classic

Names like Joseph

These share Joseph's themes, origin, or both — closest first.

  • James — Supplanter; a timeless classic.
  • Benjamin — Son of the right hand.
  • Jacob — Supplanter; holder of the heel.
  • John — God is gracious.
  • Josephine — God will increase.
  • Judith — Woman of Judea; praised.
  • Elizabeth — Pledged to God; God is my oath.
  • Leah — Weary; delicate.
  • Mary — Beloved; star of the sea.
  • Rebecca — To bind; captivating.
  • Sarah — Princess; noblewoman.
  • Theodore — Gift of God.

More Hebrew names