Joseph is a classic and timeless male given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "Yosef," which translates to "he will add" or "he shall increase." This name has been popular throughout history, appearing in numerous biblical stories.
In the Old Testament, Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, who was favored by his father and received a coat of many colors as a gift. His brothers grew jealous of him and sold him into slavery in Egypt. However, Joseph rose to prominence there, eventually becoming the second-in-command to Pharaoh after interpreting his dreams accurately.
In the New Testament, Saint Joseph is revered as the foster father of Jesus Christ. He was a carpenter by trade and married Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a betrothal. According to Christian tradition, he played a crucial role in protecting and supporting Mary and her child during their early life.
The name Joseph has been widely used throughout history, appearing in various cultures and languages around the world. It was particularly popular among royalty, with many kings, princes, and nobles named Joseph throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. Today, it remains a beloved choice for parents seeking a classic and meaningful name for their sons.
In summary, Joseph is an enduring male given name of Hebrew origin that translates to "he will add" or "he shall increase." It has been associated with notable figures in both biblical and historical contexts, contributing to its lasting popularity.
The name Joseph experienced a significant increase in popularity over the years, with a total of 2,654,627 births recorded from 1880 to 2023. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century, with over 30,000 births each year between 1954 and 1964. However, since the late 1960s, its usage has been on a gradual decline, reaching an all-time low of around 7,000 births in recent years (2021-2023). Despite this decrease, Joseph remains one of the most popular names for boys throughout history.