Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jose

José is the Spanish form of Joseph, both of which are ultimately derived from the Hebrew “Yosef” meaning “adds, increases” in reference to Jacob’s firstborn son with Rachel and his eleventh son in total. The baby was given the name Joseph (José) because God “added” to Jacob’s ten other sons (this time with Rachel who had previously been barren and was now quite old). Not only that, but Joseph was Jacob’s favorite child, as evidenced by the fact that “he made him a robe of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). Such favoritism inspired jealousy among Joseph’s older brothers who conspired to sell Joseph into Egyptian slavery. In Egypt, however, the wise Joseph rose to become chief steward to Pharaoh and was eventually reconciled with his brothers when they came to buy corn from him during a seven-year famine. In the New Testament, Joseph (José) is the name of the husband of the Blessed Mother Mary and is therefore regarded as Jesus’ foster father. In one last Biblical reference, Joseph was the name of a rich Jew who took Jesus down from the cross and buried him. According to medieval legend, this Joseph (Joseph of Arimathea) brought the Holy Grail to Britain. Like Juan, José has always been a monumentally popular name within the Spanish-speaking world. He continues to hold Top 50 status in Spain. In the United States, José is the #2 most popular baby boy’s name among Hispanic-Americans (second only to Angel).

All About the Baby Name – Jose

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JOSE

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JOSE

José has always been a popular masculine name in America, particularly given the country’s Spanish influences from the New World discovery onward. That popularity kept on growing, too, right along with the growing Hispanic population in the United States. In 1963, the name achieved Top 100 status and in 1973 he landed on the Top 50 list. José is a risk-free name choice (like John, Jack or Joe). It’s simple and masculine, and a true classic. The Spanish diminutive for José is the ever darling “Pepe” which is derived from Giuseppe (Italian for Joseph).

Quick Facts

ON JOSE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Spanish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

76

PRONUNCIATION:

HO-zay

SIMPLE MEANING:

Adds, increases

Characteristics

OF JOSE

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jose

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JOSE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Jose

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JOSE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jose


Popular Songs

ON JOSE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Jose


Famous People

NAMED JOSE

Jose Canseco (baseball player)
José Echegaray (Nobel Prize literature)
José Ramos-Horta (Nobel Prize peace)
José Saramago (Nobel Prize literature)
José Carreras (opera singer)
José Reyes (baseball player)
José Cuervo (tequila producer)
José Ortega (boxer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JOSE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Jose

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JOSE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Jose