Declining since 1985, #874 for boys today.
Popularity of Joey since 1915
Babies named Joey per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1962, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Joey's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 14 | 23 |
| 1920s | 66 | 119 |
| 1930s | 101 | 308 |
| 1940s | 149 | 1,203 |
| 1950s | 292 | 6,321 |
| 1960s | 597 | 12,258 |
| 1970s | 1,935 | 10,226 |
| 1980s | 660 | 8,122 |
| 1990s | 577 | 5,388 |
| 2000s | 1,139 | 4,650 |
| 2010s | 1,145 | 3,572 |
| 2020s | 969 | 1,568 |
Meaning & origin
Joey is a diminutive of Joseph, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God will add.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1915 and climbed in popularity, peaking in 1976. Since 1985, its use has been on a steady decline. As of 2025, Joey ranks 874th nationally, with roughly 1 in 6234 newborns given the name for that year. Its trajectory shows a falling pattern over the past four decades. The states with the highest usage include California, Utah, and Florida. Joey remains a friendly, approachable name, common as a standalone given name rather than just a nickname.
Joey originated as a diminutive of Joseph, which comes from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning 'God will add.' It has also been used as a feminine diminutive of Joan, the feminine form of John. Historically a nickname, Joey gained use as an independent given name in the English-speaking world, particularly in the 20th century. Its peak popularity in the United States occurred in the 1970s.
Where Joey is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Joey” around the world
Where Joey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Ireland
#90
in 2025
Quebec
18
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Joey
Names that share Joey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Janie, Katie, Molly, Susie, Annie, Frankie, Jackie, Danni, Joely, Niki, Rikki, Roni, Camie, Cammy, Chany, Chrissy, Deedee, Genny, Kimmie, Mikki, Sammi, Toya, Angi, Barbi, Brande, Corri, Mollee, Monya, Tangie, Dally, Frankee, Jammy, Jordie, Krissi, Molley, Mystie, Nikie, Bobbyjo, Chellie, Chelly, Giannie, Kissy, Stephie
Brothers: Tommy, Jimmy, Bobby, Johnny, Danny, Timmy, Jamey, Vinny, Franky, Joby, Johny, Mikey, Joedy, Bengie, Frankey, Jimmi, Jodey
Names like Joey
Names whose popularity has moved with Joey's over the last 50 years.
