Joss

Joss is a surname of British origin that is derived from the medieval personal name Josse, which itself is a variant of the name Joyce. The name Joyce is ultimately derived from the Breton name "Iodoc", meaning "lord". The surname Joss is primarily found in Scotland, where it can be traced back to the early Middle Ages.

Origins and History:

The Joss surname is believed to have originated in areas of Scotland with significant Gaelic-speaking populations, such as the Highlands and the Western Isles. It is thought to have been introduced to Scotland by Breton settlers or through Norman influence during the medieval period.

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Joss have been noted for their contributions to various fields, including academia, the arts, and politics. Notable figures with the surname Joss include British director and screenwriter Joss Whedon, known for his work on television series such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly".

Distribution and Present Day:

Today, the surname Joss is comparatively rare, with the majority of individuals bearing the name residing in the United Kingdom. However, individuals with the surname Joss can also be found in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, often as a result of emigration from the British Isles.

Individuals with the surname Joss continue to uphold and celebrate their ancestral heritage, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the communities in which they reside.

In conclusion, the surname Joss holds a rich history and heritage within the British Isles, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the country over the centuries.

There are approximately 782 people named Joss in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,936th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Joss.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • George
  • James
  • John
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Stuart
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Julia
  • Louise
  • Lynn
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Sheila
  • Sivan
  • Susan

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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