Joseph
Boy name · 7,497 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Joseph: 7,497 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 190 births in 1984.
Joseph is a timeless classic with deep biblical roots, originating from the Hebrew name *Yosef*, meaning "He will add" or "God shall increase." The most famous bearer is undoubtedly the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, son of Jacob, whose colourful coat and rise to power in Egypt have captivated readers for millennia. In the New Testament, Joseph is the earthly father of Jesus. Influential modern figures have also carried the name, including Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, and the American inventor Joseph Priestley, who discovered oxygen. The name is woven into place names across the globe, from the town of St. Joseph in Missouri to San Jose in California, both derived from the same source. Notably, Joseph was among the top five most popular boys’ names in Scotland for decades, reflecting its enduring cross-cultural appeal.
Boy 52 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 1984190 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #6571 babies
- Total births
- 7,497since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 36%vs prior 5y