JOSEPH
Joseph
Joseph is a prominent British surname that has its origins in the biblical name Joseph, meaning "God will increase" in Hebrew. This surname is derived from the personal name Joseph, which was commonly used in medieval England due to its biblical significance.
Origin and History
The surname Joseph can be traced back to the early medieval period in England, where it was used as a given name before becoming a hereditary surname. It is believed to have been brought to the British Isles by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Joseph is widespread across the United Kingdom, with the highest concentration found in areas such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham. It is a relatively common surname, with many individuals bearing this name found throughout the country.
Notable People
- Floella Benjamin, Baroness Benjamin - A British-Trinidadian actress, author, and politician.
- Anthea Michael - An English television presenter and journalist.
- Sir Ivor Joseph - A distinguished British diplomat who served in various high-level diplomatic positions.
Variants
Variants of the surname Joseph include:
- Joe
- Josephson
- Josephy
The surname Joseph has become ingrained in British history and culture, with many individuals proudly carrying on this name through generations. It continues to be a symbol of heritage and family lineage for many Britons.
There are approximately 18,422 people named Joseph in the UK. That makes it the 470th most common surname in Britain. Around 283 in a million people in Britain are named Joseph.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Region of origin: Europe
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Daniel
- David
- George
- John
- Jonathan
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Ann
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan