Joseph

Joseph is a very traditional religious name that is a good choice for parents looking for something safe and classic, since it has retained its popularity throughout the years.

Detailed Meaning

Joseph is the English form of the biblical Hebrew name Yosef, meaning ‘God shall add another son.’ This was borne by the favourite son of Jacob, whose brothers became very jealous of him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37). He was taken to Egypt, where he rose to become chief steward to Pharoh, and was eventually reconciled to his brothers when they came to buy corn during a seven-year famine (Genesis 43-7). In the New Testament Joseph is the name of the husband of the Virgin Mary. It is also borne by a rich Jew, Joseph of Arimathea, who took Jesus down from the Cross, wrapped him in a shroud, and buried him in a rock tomb. According to medieval legend, Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to Britain. The name was uncommon in Britain in the Middle Ages buy was revived in the mid 16th century and had become popular by mid-17th century, as it still is today.

Famous People With This Name

Joseph “Joe” DiMaggio was one of the most famous baseball players who played for the New York Yankees. Joseph Fiennes is a British actor and brother of fellow actor, Ralph Fiennes. Joesph Gordon-Levitt is an American actor known for his roles in the television show “3rd Rock From the Sun” and the film “500 Days of Summer.”

Possible Nicknames

Possible nicknames for Joseph include Joe and Jo.

Related Names

Alternative spellings include: Josef, Joseff, Josif, Joszef and Jozef.

Stories Featuring This Name

Joseph Buquet is a fictional character from the 1909 novel “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux, and the modern movie adaptation. Joesph Andrews is a fictional character from the novel of the same name by Henry Fielding. Joseph is the main character of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat.”