Yosef
YOH-suhf
Yosef is the original Hebrew form of Joseph, from Yosef meaning “God will add” or “God increases,” derived from the root yasaf.
In the Torah, Yosef was the eleventh son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers before rising to become viceroy of Egypt. His story occupies more chapters than any other figure in Genesis.
Yosef is at its all-time US peak: No. 611 in 2024 with 466 births. The name is currently gaining ground among American families.
What the name Yosef means
The spelling Yosef is preferred in Ashkenazi Jewish communities in the United States and Israel, distinguishing it from the anglicised Joseph or Arabic Yusuf.
Two syllables—YO-sef—open on a rounded vowel and close softly. The spelling preserves the Hebrew consonant structure more faithfully than the Greek-derived Joseph.
As interest in authentic Hebrew names grows among Jewish families, Yosef offers a return to the original form rather than its Latin and Greek intermediaries.
Close relatives include Yusuf (Arabic), Josef (German/Scandinavian), Giuseppe (Italian), and José (Spanish)—all pointing back to the same ancient Hebrew root.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Yosef
Yosef - similar names
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