Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Josef
Josef
β Boy
Pronounced YOH-sef /ΛjoΚ.zΙf/High
Meaning: God will add, God will increaseHigh
In 30 seconds: Josef is the German and Central European form of Joseph meaning God will add. A dignified two-syllable name with deep biblical heritage.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod will add, God will increase
U.S. rank (2025)#2860 β Falling
2025 U.S. births44 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)β 9,156
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Josef is the German, Czech, and Scandinavian form of Joseph, from Hebrew Yosef meaning God will add.
Josef is widely used in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and among Central European diaspora communities.
Did you know? The biblical Joseph β sold into slavery by his brothers, who rose to become Pharaoh's right hand β is one of the Hebrew Bible's greatest rags-to-riches stories. Josef carries all of this resilience.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name: Josef β name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database β U.S. popularity data
Variations
JosephYosefJozeJozef
Nicknames
JoSefi
Famous Bearers
- β
Joseph II (1741β1790)Holy Roman Emperor known for sweeping Enlightenment reforms, including abolishing serfdom and granting religious toleration.
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By meaningGod / Divine
Frequently Asked
What does Josef mean?
Josef means God will add, God will increase.
How do you pronounce Josef?
Josef is pronounced YOH-sef (/ΛjoΚ.zΙf/), with 2 syllables.
Is Josef a boy's name?
Yes, Josef is used as a boy's name.
How popular is the name Josef?
German/Central European form of Joseph; God will add meaning firmly established.