Josephs

Origin and Meaning

Josephs is a British surname of patronymic origin derived from the Hebrew personal name Yosef, which means "he will add". It is a common surname among Jewish families and was likely adopted by individuals as they joined the larger British society.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Josephs is found throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in urban areas such as London, Manchester, and Leeds where Jewish communities have historically been established. It is also found in other parts of the world where British immigrants have settled, particularly in former British colonies.

Notable Individuals

  • Ben Josephs (1920-1995) - British playwright known for his contributions to contemporary theatre.
  • Miriam Josephs (b. 1975) - British geneticist renowned for her research on hereditary diseases.
  • Adam Josephs (b. 1983) - British footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs in the English League.

Coat of Arms

The Josephs family is associated with a coat of arms that features symbols of strength, wisdom, and unity. The coat of arms typically includes a shield with intricate designs and a crest that signifies the heritage and values of the family.

Legacy and Heritage

The surname Josephs reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of Britain, with Jewish immigrants making significant contributions to the country's social, economic, and cultural landscape. Families bearing the surname have left an indelible mark on various fields, from academia and the arts to business and sports.

There are approximately 978 people named Josephs in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,504th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Josephs.

Religion of origin: Jewish

Language of origin: Hebrew

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Maurice
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Alison
  • Brenda
  • Caroline
  • Claire
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Linda
  • Mary
  • Maureen
  • Michelle
  • Natalie
  • Norma
  • Sharon
  • Sophia

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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