Jossy

♀ Girl

Pronounced JOS-ee /ˈdʒɒs.i/High

Meaning: Jossy is an affectionate pet form of Jocelyn (from the Germanic Gautzelin, via Norman French) and, for some families, of Josephine — from Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add'. Routes uncertain between the two.Low

In 30 seconds: A warm little nickname: Jossy shortens Jocelyn or Josephine (said 'JOS-ee'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowEnglish, American

MeaningJossy is an affectionate pet form of Jocelyn (from the Germanic Gautzelin, via Norman French) and, for some families, of Josephine — from Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add'. Routes uncertain between the two.

U.S. rank (2024)#14228 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 17

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

Jossy is a pet form, most often of Jocelyn — from the Germanic Gautzelin, carried to England by the Normans — and sometimes of Josephine, whose root is Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add'. Both readings are common, so we flag the routes as uncertain. Bright and informal (said 'JOS-ee').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, playful, and short.

Did you know? Jossy can come from two directions — Jocelyn, a Norman name of Germanic roots, or Josephine, from Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add'. Which one it is depends on the family, so we note the routes as uncertain (said 'JOS-ee').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Jossy — Pet form of Jocelyn/Josephine; routes uncertain

Variations

JossieJosieJocy

Nicknames

JossJo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jossy…

Josie— a close cousin nickname

Jocelyn— one of the names Jossy shortens

Jessie— a like bright -ie nickname

Lacy— a like short, playful pick

Explore names like Jossy

By themeuncertain short nickname-name playful

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jossy mean?

Jossy is a pet form of Jocelyn (from the Germanic Gautzelin) or of Josephine (from Hebrew Yosef, 'he will add'). The routes are uncertain.

How do you pronounce Jossy?

It's said JOS-ee /ˈdʒɒs.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Jossy a boy or girl name?

Jossy is used as a girl's name; the shorter Joss is unisex.

How popular is Jossy?

Jossy is a rare name for girls in the U.S.