יוֹסֵף

Yosef

boyHebrewJewish

Yosef is a Jewish boy name of Hebrew origin, meaning “He will add”.

MeaningHe will add
GenderBoy
OriginHebrew
Written asיוֹסֵף
Pronunciationyoh-SEF
TraditionJewish
Used inIsrael, United States

Meaning and origin of Yosef

Yosef is the Hebrew form of Joseph. In Genesis, Rachel names her son Joseph, praying 'may the Lord add to me another son', from the verb yasaf, 'to add'. Joseph's story, from his coat of many colours to his rise in Egypt, is one of the most famous in the Bible. The name has been used by Jews in every generation and gave rise to forms in many languages.

Is Yosef a Jewish name?

Yosef is a central biblical name, borne by Jacob's son Joseph. In Christianity Joseph is also the husband of Mary, and the Arabic form Yusuf is honoured in Islam.

How popular is Yosef?

Very common in Israel and in religious Jewish communities worldwide.

Gifts with the name Yosef

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Spellings and variants of Yosef

Names similar to Yosef

More Jewish boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Yosef mean?

Yosef means 'He will add'. It is of Hebrew origin.

Is Yosef a Jewish name?

Yosef is a central biblical name, borne by Jacob's son Joseph. In Christianity Joseph is also the husband of Mary, and the Arabic form Yusuf is honoured in Islam.

How do you pronounce Yosef?

Yosef is pronounced yoh-SEF.

Is Yosef a boy or girl name?

Yosef is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.