Returning to biblical names. The name Joseph seems to have been popular ever since the original Joseph started working for the Egyptian Pharaoh. The name's popularity also comes from the New Testament's Mary's husband, of course.
In 2007 and in 2008, the name was the 13th most popular boy's name in the US, and indeed, it has been in the top 20 list for over a hundred years.
The Hebrew translation of Joesph means God shall add, or May he add, which relates to the biblical story of Jacob's love for Rachel, Joseph's mother, and the hardships he had to endure in order to marry her.
Variations of the name appear in many languages, both for males and females. The Arabic Yusuf, the Spanish José, and the Italian Peppe all come from Joseph, as are female names likes the English Jodie and the French Joséphine.
