Josef: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are culturally important celebrations, especially in many European countries, often marking the feast day of the saint or figure associated with the name. The traditional name Josef carries an ancient origin meaning "He will add," deeply rooted in historical religious texts. This strong masculine name evokes a mood of reliability, tradition, and dignified seriousness. The worldwide popularity of Josef highlights its status as an enduring classic spanning multiple language groups. Furthermore, Josef is celebrated across numerous dates and regions, including multiple observances in Austria and main celebrations on March 19th.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Josef's name day is celebrated
on January 29 in Austria,
March 19 in Austria, Czechia, Norway, Sweden and the USA,
May 1 in Austria,
May 21 in Austria,
August 25 in Austria and
December 30 in Greece.
The Story Behind This Name
Josef is the common spelling variant used throughout Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Scandinavia. While less frequent than its counterpart "Joseph" in the USA, Josef still maintains a recognizable presence, often carried by families with European heritage. Historically, this spelling gained prominence across various European empires, cementing its place as a traditional and respected name. Its usage reflects linguistic preferences in regions where the 'f' ending is standard for this sound. Globally, Josef is an exceptionally popular and enduring choice, consistently appearing in top name lists across diverse cultures.
Name origin and meaning
The name Josef is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Yosef, signifying profound theological and historical roots. Across many languages, Josef maintains a recognizable form, reflecting a consistent transmission through religious and cultural texts. The name translates roughly to "He will add" or "may God add," traditionally implying a hope for increase in family or prosperity. This robust meaning has ensured its longevity and continuous adoption over millennia in Western and Middle Eastern civilizations. It remains a foundational patriarchal name in Abrahamic traditions, influencing countless variants worldwide.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Josef is overwhelmingly classified as a male given name throughout the world, with virtually no female or unisex application. This strong gender association holds true across its primary spheres of popularity in Europe, North America, and Latin America. In regions such as the Czech Republic and Germany, Josef is strictly used for males and is considered a deeply traditional masculine choice. While some highly modernized cultures might explore phonetic variations, the standard spelling Josef remains exclusively male globally. Its historical context firmly establishes it as a conventionally masculine identity.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Josef conveys a strong, traditional, and serious mood, often associated with reliability and stability. It possesses a classic, weighty tone, lacking the soft playfulness found in many modern appellations. The sound is inherently structured and grounding, suggesting a personality that is responsible and perhaps reserved. It projects an atmosphere of enduring tradition and historical significance, making it distinctly venerable. Overall, Josef evokes a sophisticated, powerful, and deeply respectable impression.
A Perfectly Balanced Name with Unique Letters: Josef
An isogrammic name is a unique type of name where no letter appears more than once. This characteristic makes it visually and structurally distinct, adding to its appeal. Such names are relatively rare, especially those with six or more letters, making them stand out even more. Having an isogrammic name gives it a balanced and harmonious look, making it a special choice.
The Harmonious Dance of Letters: Josef
Names with a perfect alternation of vowels and consonants create a natural rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and aesthetically balanced. This structured interplay of sounds gives these names a smooth, flowing character, making them stand out effortlessly. Their symmetry and musicality contribute to their timeless appeal across different languages and cultures.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Josef
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 6 - The Nurturer.
Traits: Responsible, family-oriented, compassionate, protective.
Strengths: Caring, loyal, great at building harmony.
Challenges: Can be controlling, overly self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.
Name days: Name Josef
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
Austria | January | 29 | Gerd, Gerhard, Josef, Valerius |
Austria | March | 19 | Josef, Josefa, Josefine |
Czechia | March | 19 | Josef |
Norway | March | 19 | Josef, Josefine |
Sweden | March | 19 | Josef, Josefina |
USA | March | 19 | Donahue, Donavan, Donovan, Dorian, Joe, Joey, Jose, Josef, Joseph, Wyatt |
Austria | May | 1 | Josef |
Austria | May | 21 | Christoph, Constantin, Josef, Julio |
Austria | August | 25 | Elvira, Josef, Ludwig |
Greece | December | 30 | Josef |
Name days: Similar names (Josef)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
Austria | February | 8 | Hieronimus, Josefina, Josefine |
Spain | March | 12 | Fina, Josefina, Maximiliano |
Finland | March | 19 | Joose, Joosef, Jooseppi, Jose, Josefiina, Juuso |
Spain | March | 19 | Josefa, José, Marcos |
USA | October | 23 | Fifi, Josefina, Josepha, Josephina, Josephine, Josie, Pepita |
Austria | December | 25 | Anastasia, Eugenia, Josefina, Therese |
Josef Conclusion on Name Attributes
The name Josef is a powerful masculine identity, highly popular across Central and Eastern Europe and recognized globally as a sophisticated variant of Joseph. Its origin links back to the foundational Hebrew meaning "may God add," providing a historical weight and venerable quality. The mood surrounding Josef is one of enduring tradition, strength, and serious responsibility, firmly establishing it as a classic choice. Given its widespread reverence, the name features a complex calendar of name day celebrations in countries like Austria, Czechia, and the USA. Josef maintains its strong classic appeal, symbolizing stability and historical connection in any culture it enters.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!