Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "he will add" or "God will increase." It is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, which was borne by several characters in the Bible, most notably Jacob's eleventh son and eventual ruler of Egypt.
The name Joseph has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. In ancient times, it was common among Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Throughout the Middle Ages, it remained a prevalent name in Europe, particularly in France and England.
In modern times, Joseph continues to be a popular choice for boys' names around the world. According to the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 500 most popular baby boy names in the United States since the 1960s.
Some notable figures who have borne the name Joseph include Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus; Joseph Stalin, Soviet leader from 1922 until his death in 1953; and Joe DiMaggio, American baseball player widely considered one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Joseph over the years in the United States:
From 1880 to 1924, the number of babies named Joseph remained relatively stable, ranging from 5 to 31 births per year. However, starting in 1925, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with over 17 births each year until 1968.
The peak years for the name Joseph were between 1947 and 1960, with an average of around 30 births per year. The highest number of babies named Joseph in a single year was 56 in 1998.
However, after reaching its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, the name Joseph has seen a steady decline in usage. In recent years, there have been fewer than 10 births per year with the name Joseph, with only 7 recorded in 2023 so far.
In total, over the period from 1880 to 2023, there were approximately 2850 babies named Joseph born in the United States. Despite its decline in recent years, Joseph remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history.