Joss

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOSS /ˈdʒɒs/High

Meaning: A short form of Jocelyn/Joss — from the Germanic Gaut, 'a Goth; a member of the Gauts (a Germanic tribe)'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A Goth; of the Gauts tribe: Joss pets Jocelyn — 'a Goth'. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'JOSS').

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Origin LowGermanic

MeaningA short form of Jocelyn/Joss — from the Germanic Gaut, 'a Goth; a member of the Gauts (a Germanic tribe)'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#9283 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 436

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Joss is a short form of Jocelyn/Joss — from the Germanic Gaut, 'a Goth; a member of the Gauts (a Germanic tribe)' (routes layered, which we note). The filmmaker Joss Whedon bears it. A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it registers thinly for boys. Rare, a-Goth at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Jocelyn comes from the Germanic Gaut, 'a Goth; a member of the Gauts tribe' — Joss is its crisp short form, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered; said 'JOSS', the filmmaker Joss Whedon bears it).

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Jocelyn — routes layered

Variations

JocelynJosseJos

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Carl— lands in the same popularity range

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Ralph— lands in the same popularity range

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Joss mean?

Joss pets Jocelyn — Germanic 'a Goth; a member of the Gauts tribe'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Joss?

It's said JOSS /ˈdʒɒs/ — one syllable.

Is Joss a boy or girl name?

Joss is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Joss?

Joss is a rare name in the U.S.