Boy name · Hebrew
Joseph
“he will add, God increases”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Joseph.
Explore Joseph further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Joseph — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Joseph is Hebrew yosef, he will add — Rachel names him hoping for another son after years of not conceiving, so the name is a request for the next child rather than a description of this one. It is the only major Biblical name that points past its bearer.
It has never left the US top 100 in the entire period for which records exist, which puts it in a very small club with James and William. It currently sits at number 29.
Seph is the short form worth reviving; Joe carries every decade at once. Two syllables want two or three (Joseph Atticus, Joseph Everett). On our vibe map it is Heirloom with Vintage Elegant weight.
More Hebrew names
Joseph sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Joseph — common questions
Is Joseph a boy or girl name?
Joseph is traditionally a boy name of Hebrew origin.
What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph means “he will add, God increases” of Hebrew origin. Joseph is Hebrew yosef, he will add — Rachel names him hoping for another son after years of not conceiving, so the name is a request for the next child rather than a description of this one. It is the only major Biblical name that points past its bearer.
Where does the name Joseph come from?
Joseph is Hebrew in origin. It has never left the US top 100 in the entire period for which records exist, which puts it in a very small club with James and William. It currently sits at number 29.
What are common nicknames for Joseph?
Joe, Joey, and Seph — the short-forms parents most often use for Joseph.
How popular is Joseph?
Joseph did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Joseph you might want for the nursery.