Declining since 1998.
Popularity of Josee since 1960
Babies named Josee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 188 |
| 2000s | 190 |
| 2010s | 124 |
| 2020s | 32 |
Meaning & origin
Josee is a French feminine form of Joseph, brought into occasional use in the United States beginning in the 1960s. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1960 and reached its peak popularity in 1998, after which its usage began to decline. The name has never been widespread, never ranking in the top 1000, which underscores its appeal as a relatively rare choice. Its trajectory has been steadily falling since 1998, mirroring a broader shift away from traditional French diminutives. As a name without strong regional ties, Josee offers parents a refined, international option that remains uncommon without being unfamiliar.
Josee is a French feminine form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'He will add.' It arose as a contracted or affectionate variant of Joséphine, widely used in France and French-speaking regions. The name has been in occasional use in English-speaking countries since the 20th century, often as a distinctive alternative to Josie.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Josie, Jo
Variants: Josée
Sibling names for Josee
Names that share Josee's style, for a brother or sister.
