Rising since 2022, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Iosefa since 1992
Babies named Iosefa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 24 |
| 2010s | 43 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Iosefa is a Samoan and Tokelauan form of the biblical name Joseph, carrying the same meaning of 'God shall add.' In the United States, the name has been recorded since 1992 and remains rare. As of 2025, it ranked 6,446 with a 1-in-131,390 frequency, showing a rising trajectory since 2022. Its peak year so far is 2025, suggesting a gentle uptick in use. The name is most common in California, reflecting the state's sizable Samoan community. Iosefa offers a distinctive cultural connection for families honoring Samoan heritage while preserving a recognizable biblical root.
Iosefa is the Samoan and Tokelauan form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'He will add' or 'God shall add.' The name Joseph appears in the Old and New Testaments, and its Samoan variant reflects the influence of Christian missionaries in the Pacific Islands. Iosefa has been used in Samoa and among Samoan communities abroad since the 19th century.
Where Iosefa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Joe, Iose
Variants: Iosepa
Sibling names for Iosefa
Names that share Iosefa's style, for a brother or sister.
