Yosef Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Yosef
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name YOSEF. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Yosef
Gender
Male
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
7
Meaning of the Name
Yosef is a Hebrew name meaning 'He will add' or 'God shall add,' reflecting a hope for increase or blessing.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Neptune (Ketu)
Positive Nature
Intuitive, analytical, spiritual, and inquisitive.
Negative Traits
Secretive, reserved, aloof, and can be overly critical.
Lucky Colours
Green, yellow.
Lucky Days
Monday.
Lucky Stones
Cat’s eye, moonstone.
Harmony Numbers
1, 5, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Scientists, researchers, spiritual leaders, detectives.
What People Like About You
Depth of knowledge, analytical skills, spirituality.
Famous People Named Yosef
Yosef Karo
Rabbi and legal scholar
Author of the Shulchan Aruch, the most authoritative code of Jewish law
Yosef Hayyim
Rabbi and kabbalist
Known as the Ben Ish Hai, authored influential works on Jewish law and mysticism
Yosef Trumpeldor
Military leader and Zionist pioneer
Heroic figure in early Zionist history, famous for his last words 'It is good to die for our country'
Yosef Shalom Elyashiv
Rabbi and halakhic authority
Leading posek (legal decisor) in the Haredi Jewish world for decades
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
Throughout Jewish history, the name has been particularly cherished among Sephardic and Mizrahi communities, where the traditional Hebrew pronunciation 'Yosef' remained dominant. The figure of Joseph became associated with mystical protection in Kabbalistic traditions, with many amulets and prayers invoking his name for safeguarding against harm. In Islamic tradition, Yusuf (the Arabic equivalent) is revered as a prophet whose story occupies an entire surah in the Quran, emphasizing his beauty, righteousness, and moral integrity.
The name's cultural resonance extends beyond religious contexts into national identity, particularly in Israel where Yosef Trumpeldor became an iconic figure of Zionist pioneering and sacrifice. This multilayered significance makes Yosef one of the most culturally rich and enduring names in Western and Middle Eastern civilizations.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Yosef are often perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities combined with deep spiritual sensitivity. Drawing from the biblical archetype, they tend to be visionary, capable of interpreting complex situations, and gifted with administrative abilities. Many Yosefs demonstrate remarkable resilience in facing challenges, often emerging stronger from difficulties through a combination of faith and practical wisdom. There's frequently a blend of dreamer and realist that characterizes their approach to life.
The name also suggests a person of integrity and forgiveness, capable of reconciling with those who have wronged them while maintaining strong moral principles. Yosefs are often seen as protective figures within their families and communities, embodying the 'provider' aspect of the biblical Joseph who ensured his family's survival. They typically value tradition while being adaptable to changing circumstances, showing the flexibility that enabled the biblical Joseph to thrive in Egyptian society while maintaining his Hebrew identity. This combination of steadfast values with practical adaptability makes Yosefs often successful in bridging different worlds or communities.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Yosef remains a popular name in Jewish communities worldwide, particularly among Orthodox and traditional families. In Israel, it consistently ranks among the top 50 names for boys, with its popularity reflecting both religious significance and cultural pride. According to Israeli government statistics, Yosef has maintained steady usage over the past decade, appealing to both religious and secular families who appreciate its deep historical roots and strong, traditional sound. The name has seen a resurgence in recent decades as part of a broader trend toward reclaiming traditional Hebrew names. Among diaspora communities, Yosef serves as a distinctive alternative to the more common 'Joseph,' allowing families to maintain cultural specificity while participating in wider naming traditions. The name crosses ethnic and religious boundaries, appearing in various forms across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, though the Hebrew form 'Yosef' remains particularly identified with Jewish cultural identity.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Yosef represents increase, multiplication, and divine addition—living up to its literal meaning 'God will increase.' It embodies the concept of transformation from humble beginnings to exalted positions, making it symbolic of potential and destiny fulfillment. The name carries connotations of dream interpretation and visionary capability, referencing Joseph's gift for understanding dreams in the biblical narrative. It also symbolizes reconciliation and family restoration, as Joseph ultimately forgave his brothers and reunited his family. In mystical traditions, Yosef represents the sefirah of Yesod (Foundation) in Kabbalah, connecting spiritual and physical realms, and is associated with moral purity and resistance to temptation. The name embodies the idea that apparent setbacks can become setups for greater purposes, and that faithfulness through difficulty leads to elevation and blessing—making it a powerful symbolic choice representing hope, redemption, and the belief that life's challenges ultimately serve a higher purpose.