Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Jose is a Spanish name derived from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning 'he will add'. Its linguistic journey includes forms like Iosephus and Joseph. The name is connected to biblical narratives, particularly of Saint Joseph. Jose is popular in Spanish-speaking cultures and is often viewed positively, reflecting cultural values and familial connections.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/hoʊˈzeɪ/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
The name Jose is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, which means 'he will add'. It has been adopted into many languages, primarily through the influence of Christianity and the Bible.
Meaning
He will add
Language Evolution
Yosef (Hebrew), Iosephus (Latin), Joseph (English), Jose (Spanish)
Biblical Background
The name Jose is a variant of Joseph, who is a significant biblical figure in both the Old and New Testaments.
Historical Usage
Jose gained popularity in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly during the Middle Ages, due to religious influence and the veneration of Saint Joseph.
Variants & Derivatives
Joseph, Josef, Yosef, Giuseppe, Jozef
Modern Popularity & Image
Jose remains a widely used name in many Spanish-speaking countries and is often associated with strong familial and cultural ties.
Famous People
Jose Marti - Cuban nationalist and writer, Jose Mourinho - Portuguese football manager, Jose Gonzalez - Swedish-Argentinian singer-songwriter
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 12,916 peak births in 2002
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 138th of 7545 | 18,350 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 134th of 6773 | 23,925 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 113th of 7552 | 59,578 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 54th of 10718 | 97,262 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 44th of 16616 | 160,902 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 33rd of 24088 | 172,701 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 82nd of 23106 | 54,043 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2382nd of 9107 | 245 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1840th of 9204 | 363 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2015th of 12526 | 560 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1551st of 19264 | 1,027 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1649th of 27321 | 1,344 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4004th of 35406 | 556 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 11212th of 30306 | 98 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
27.97% 396th/1416 |
31.69% 437th/1379 |
4.40% 104th/2366 |
3.24% 37th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
23.93% 370th/1546 |
21.66% 337th/1556 |
3.82% 90th/2353 |
4.01% 62nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
10.19% 227th/2227 |
3.83% 93rd/2430 |
3.33% 95th/2853 |
2.95% 82nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.12% 121st/2937 |
1.41% 49th/3483 |
1.71% 60th/3518 |
0.72% 29th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.61% 96th/3685 |
1.23% 55th/4475 |
0.90% 47th/5194 |
0.28% 18th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.88% 86th/4582 |
1.47% 76th/5164 |
0.45% 33rd/7313 |
0.12% 9th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
4.49% 179th/3984 |
3.45% 155th/4487 |
0.97% 66th/6822 |
0.83% 52nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
49.15% 1163rd/2366 |
100.00% 1142nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
39.01% 918th/2353 |
73.17% 1132nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
56.79% 1380th/2430 |
40.76% 1163rd/2853 |
55.64% 1544th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
69.49% 2041st/2937 |
35.17% 1225th/3483 |
35.56% 1251st/3518 |
22.97% 929th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
75.33% 2776th/3685 |
44.38% 1986th/4475 |
29.03% 1508th/5194 |
14.99% 947th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
92.80% 4252nd/4582 |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
45.06% 3295th/7313 |
31.76% 2370th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Mexico across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too rising for male in South, stalled for female in South, too rising for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 138th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 134th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 113th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 54th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 44th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 33rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 82nd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2382nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1840th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2015th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1551st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1649th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4004th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11212th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.