Yosef: meaning of the Hebrew name
יוֹסֵף
Pronounced yo-SEF
Meaning of Yosef
Yosef comes from the idea of adding and blessing, as in the verse "May the Lord add to me another son." Joseph the Righteous, son of Jacob and Rachel, rose to become second only to the king of Egypt.
And she called his name Joseph, saying: ‘The LORD add to me another son.’
וַתִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ יוֹסֵף לֵאמֹר יֹסֵף יְהֹוָה לִי בֵּן אַחֵר׃
Yosef in Hebrew
Yosef is written יוסף in Hebrew (with vowel points: יוֹסֵף). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- יYod
- וVav
- סSamekh
- פPe
Gematria value: 156 (Yod 10 + Vav 6 + Samekh 60 + Pe 80)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaninghe will add
- Pronunciationyo-SEF
- Hebrewיוסף
- Syllables2
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Yosef ranked #6 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (1,271 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #2, in 2017.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 1,271 |
| 2023 | 3 | 1,395 |
| 2022 | 5 | 1,349 |
| 2021 | 4 | 1,341 |
| 2020 | 3 | 1,337 |
| 2019 | 4 | 1,338 |
| 2018 | 3 | 1,311 |
| 2017 | 2 | 1,406 |
| 2016 | 4 | 1,333 |
| 2015 | 3 | 1,413 |
| 2014 | 4 | 1,517 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Yosef
What does the name Yosef mean?
Yosef comes from the idea of adding and blessing, as in the verse "May the Lord add to me another son." Joseph the Righteous, son of Jacob and Rachel, rose to become second only to the king of Egypt.
How do you pronounce Yosef?
Yosef is pronounced yo-SEF in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Yosef in Hebrew?
Yosef is written יוסף in Hebrew (with vowel points: יוֹסֵף).
Is Yosef a biblical name?
Yes. Yosef appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 30:24.
How popular is the name Yosef in Israel?
In 2024, Yosef ranked #6 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (1,271 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #2, in 2017. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Yosef?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling יוסף adds up to 156 (Yod 10 + Vav 6 + Samekh 60 + Pe 80).
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This name in Hebrew: יוסף
