Yosef is a Hebrew name of considerable historical and cultural significance. It originates from the Semitic root verb "y-sh-b," which means to add or to increase.
In the Bible, Yosef (also known as Joseph) is one of the twelve sons of Jacob and Rachel in the Book of Genesis. He was favored by his father and received a coat of many colors, which sparked jealousy among his brothers who eventually sold him into slavery in Egypt. Despite his tribulations, Yosef rose to become a powerful official in Pharaoh's court and ultimately reunited with his family, saving them from famine.
The name Yosef is also significant in Jewish tradition as it is the Hebrew form of the name Joseph, which means "he will increase." This meaning reflects the biblical Joseph's role as the father of Ephraim and Manasseh, who became ancestors of two of Israel's twelve tribes. Furthermore, the name Yosef signifies hope and growth, as it implies an increase or addition in some aspect of life.
In modern times, Yosef remains a popular male given name among Jewish communities around the world. It is also used by other religious groups and in secular contexts, reflecting its timeless appeal and rich history.
The name Yosef has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the early 1950s, there were around 6-8 births per year with the name Yosef. However, starting from the late 1960s, we begin to see a steady rise in the number of annual births with this name.
In 1968, there were 14 births, which more than doubled by 1975 with 39 births. The trend continued, reaching 50 births in 1978 and 66 births in 1982. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a further increase, with 91 births in 1988 and peaking at 201 births in 2002.
The years following 2002 have shown consistent growth in the number of newborns named Yosef. From 2016 onwards, the annual birth count has been above 350, reaching a record high of 444 births in 2023. Overall, since 1951, there have been a total of 9714 babies born in the United States named Yosef. This data demonstrates a clear and consistent upward trend in the popularity of this name over time.