Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 JOH-sef /ˈdʒoʊzɛf/
"God will add"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
From the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases'. This name is prominent in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, where it is the name of both Jacob's eleventh son and Jesus' foster father.
Josef is a variant of the male given name Joseph, notably used in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland. The name also appears in Scandinavia. Notable people with the surname include:
The name Josef originates from the Hebrew name 'Yosef', meaning 'God will add' or 'increase'. In the biblical context, Josef refers to Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was highly favored by God. The name…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Josef holds the energy of creativity, self-expression, and artistic talents. It's a number of growth and expansion.
Life Path 1 — Independence & Leadership: Natural-born leaders, ambitious, and self-reliant.
Cultural Impact
Josef is a beloved and common name in the Christian world, particularly in Europe and Latin America. It is a nod to the rich cultural heritage of the Old Testament and the important biblical character of Joseph, who was a key figure in the formation of the tribe of Israel. The name carries a sense of strength, resilience, and faith, as Joseph was a devoted servant of God who endured hardships and betrayal throughout his life.
Spiritual Significance
The name Josef signifies trust in the divine power of God to increase and add to one's life. It is a reminder of the importance of faith, resilience, and devotion, as demonstrated by the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. This name encourages individuals to lean on God in times of hardship and to trust in His plan for their lives, knowing that He will continue to add to their blessings.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Josef" emerges in Hebrew tradition, carrying the core meaning "God will add".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~9,112 people named Josef in the US. Peaked in 1999 with 220 recorded uses.
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, was granted permission by Pilate to take down Jesus' body from the cross and bury it in his own new tomb. -- Bible, New Testament, Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:43-46, Luke 23:50-53
Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary, is a central figure in Christian tradition and is considered the foster father of Jesus. He is also known as the patron saint of workers, artisans, and fathers. -- Catholic Encyclopedia
Modern Usage
The name Josef is of Hebrew origin and translates to 'God will add'. This name has significant cultural and historical importance in Austria, where it's a common male given name. It's also deeply rooted in Catholicism and religious traditions. In modern contexts, the name Josef is seen on various platforms, including LinkedIn for professional networking, Instagram for showcasing artistic and cultural expressions, and Twitter for engaging in discussions related to science, technology, and current events.
Josef means "God will add" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Josef is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Josef has Hebrew origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Josef is 1, associated with Independence & Leadership. Soul Urge: 11. Personality: 8.
Josef is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 100% male and 0% female.
Approximately 9,112 people in the United States are named Josef. The name peaked in 1999 with 220 recorded uses.
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