Holding steady.
Popularity of Jozsef since 1963
Babies named Jozsef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 23 |
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 14 |
| 2000s | 38 |
| 2010s | 32 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
The Hungarian form of the biblical Joseph, Jozsef first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1963 and has remained a consistently uncommon choice, typically given to fewer than 100 baby boys per year. Its peak year of usage was 2005, though it has never cracked the national top 1000. The name maintains a stable trajectory in recent years, with a small but steady number of parents selecting it, often to honor Hungarian heritage or family tradition. Unlike the English Joseph, which has been a perennial favorite, Jozsef retains a distinctly Hungarian character that may appeal to families seeking a recognizable yet culturally specific name.
Jozsef is the Hungarian form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'He will add' or 'God increases'. The name Joseph appears in the Old Testament as the favored son of Jacob and in the New Testament as the earthly father of Jesus. The Hungarian variant Jozsef has been in use since the Middle Ages, influenced by Latinized forms.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jocó, Józsi, Jóska
Sibling names for Jozsef
Names that share Jozsef's style, for a brother or sister.
