Joseph: meaning and origin
Joseph
“He will add”
About the name Joseph
Joseph is a boy’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “he will add”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
Joseph is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
- Caleb 👦Faithful, devoted · Hebrew
- Daniel 👦God is my judge · Hebrew
- David 👦Beloved · Hebrew
- Eitan 👦Strong, steady · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, girls)
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
More boy names starting with J
- Jabari 👦Brave, fearless (Swahili) · African
- Jack 👦God is gracious; a pet form of John · English
- Jackson 👦Son of Jack · English
- Jacob 👦Supplanter, held by the heel · Hebrew
- Jamal 👦Beauty (from Arabic); popular in African American families · African American
- James 👦Supplanter; the English form of Jacob · Hebrew
- Jameson 👦Son of James · English
- Jasper 👦Treasurer (via Persian); also the gemstone · Greek
- Jaylen 👦A modern American name; calm, or a blend of Jay and Len · African American
- Jelani 👦Mighty (Swahili) · African
Questions and answers
What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: he will add.
Is Joseph a boy or girl name?
Joseph is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Joseph have?
Joseph has 6 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is Joseph a popular name?
Yes. Joseph has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.