Joseph, of Hebrew origin, means "God shall increase." It was popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. In the New Testament, Joseph is also known for his role in the Flight into Egypt. Throughout history, this name has been borne by several notable figures, including Roman emperors, biblical characters, and prominent individuals in various fields. Its popularity peaked in the late 19th to mid-20th century but remains a classic choice today.
"The name Joseph experienced some fluctuation in popularity during the late 1960s, with a notable dip in usage between 1967 as seen by the decrease from 7 births in 1968 compared to 5 in 1966."