Joseph
Meaning of Joseph
Joseph is a classic male name with a rich historical and cultural background. Originating from Hebrew, the name Joseph means "he will add." Pronounced JOH-suhf in English, it has been a favorite choice among parents for generations, reflecting its timeless appeal. Variations of the name include Joe and Joey, offering flexibility for those who bear this distinguished name.
In the United States, Joseph consistently ranks as one of the most popular names for newborn boys. Over the decades, it has maintained a strong presence in the top 30 names list, showcasing its enduring popularity. In recent years, it reached its highest position at number 6 in 2003 and continues to be a widely chosen option today.
Renowned biblical figure Joseph adds an element of historical significance to this name. Moreover, several famous individuals share this moniker – such as composer Joseph Haydn and inventor Joseph Swan – providing ample notable associations for inspiration.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as JOH-suhf ( /ˈdʒoʊsəf//)
British English
- Pronunced as JOH-suhf (/ˈdʒəʊzɪf//)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Joseph
| Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister, was a British surgeon and medical scientist known for revolutionizing surgery through his pioneering work in antiseptic surgery and preventative medicine. |
| Joseph Raymond McCarthy was a Republican U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who became known for making unsubstantiated accusations of communist infiltration in the United States during the Cold War era, leading to the coining of the term "McCarthyism." |
| Joseph Priestley was a prolific English chemist, philosopher, theologian, and educator known for his extensive publications and groundbreaking scientific experiments. |
| Joseph Smith Jr. was the American religious leader who founded Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement, attracting thousands of followers and leaving a lasting impact on global religious practices. |
| Joseph Heinrich Beuys was a German artist, teacher, and performance artist known for his work reflecting humanism and sociology, as well as for co-founding the Free International University for Creativity & Interdisciplinary Research (FIU) and being a member of the Fluxus art movement. |
| Joseph John Campbell was an American writer and professor known for his work in comparative mythology and religion, particularly his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. |
| Franz Joseph Haydn, a German Austrian composer, is known for his influential contributions to chamber music and is often referred to as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." |
| Joseph Carey Merrick, also known as "The Elephant Man," was an English man with severe deformities who gained fame after being exhibited at a freak show and later lived at the London Hospital, where he became well known in London society. |
| Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. - Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr. was a prominent American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and politician, known for being the patriarch of the influential Kennedy family. |
| Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor - Joseph II was the Holy Roman Emperor and sole ruler of the Habsburg monarchy, known for being the eldest son of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Francis I. |
| Joseph Eggleston Johnston was a distinguished American career army officer who served in the United States Army during the Mexican–American War and the Seminole Wars, and later became one of the most senior general officers in the Confederate States Army. |
| Joseph Brodsky - Iosif Aleksandrovich Brodsky was a Russian and American poet and essayist, awarded the 1987 Nobel Prize in Literature and appointed United States Poet Laureate in 1991. |
| Sir Joseph Banks, 1st Baronet, was a prominent English naturalist, botanist, and supporter of the natural sciences. |
| Joseph Pulitzer was a prominent Hungarian-American newspaper publisher and politician who played a significant role in the Democratic Party and served as a congressman from New York. |
| Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt is an American actor known for his leading roles in films like 500 Days of Summer and 50/50, as well as the founder of the online media platform HitRecord, which has won him two Primetime Emmy Awards. |
