Josephus
From Latin Iōsēphus, from Ancient Greek Ἰώσηπος (Iṓsēpos), Ἰωσήφ (Iōsḗph).
Every Josephus since 1882 — 1,211 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Josephus
Josephus is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1882, 1,211 American babies have been named Josephus. Its peak came in 1923, when 28 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Josephus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Josephus year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — |
| 2023 | 5 | #13,132 |
| 2022 | — | — |
| 2021 | 6 | #11,398 |
| 2020 | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — |
| 2017 | 5 | #13,187 |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | 7 | #10,160 |
| 2010 | — | — |
| 2009 | — | — |
| 2008 | 5 | #13,526 |
| 2007 | — | — |
| 2006 | — | — |
| 2005 | — | — |
| 2004 | 6 | #10,619 |
| 2003 | — | — |
| 2002 | 5 | #11,546 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11,425 |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | 5 | #9,541 |
| 1990 | 11 | #4,834 |
| 1985 | 8 | #4,920 |
| 1980 | 11 | #3,728 |
| 1975 | 10 | #3,539 |
| 1970 | 10 | #3,172 |
| 1965 | 7 | #3,398 |
| 1960 | 15 | #2,169 |
| 1955 | 15 | #2,093 |
| 1950 | 22 | #1,590 |
| 1945 | 16 | #1,733 |
| 1940 | 19 | #1,600 |
| 1935 | 8 | #2,823 |
| 1930 | 17 | #1,864 |
| 1925 | 19 | #1,841 |
| 1920 | 20 | #1,792 |
| 1915 | 26 | #1,324 |
| 1910 | 9 | #1,164 |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | 5 | #1,170 |
| 1890 | 6 | #947 |
| 1885 | 6 | #882 |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Josephus
- Josephus Historian · 37–100
- Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti Biologist · 1735–1805
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Josephus mean?
From Latin Iōsēphus, from Ancient Greek Ἰώσηπος (Iṓsēpos), Ἰωσήφ (Iōsḗph).
How popular is the name Josephus in 2025?
Josephus did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Josephus?
1,211 babies have been named Josephus in the United States since 1882, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Josephus most popular?
Josephus peaked in 1923, when 28 newborns received the name.
Is Josephus a boy or girl name?
Josephus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Josephus rising or falling?
Josephus is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Josephus?
Well-known people named Josephus include Josephus (historian), Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti (biologist).