Josephine
GirlHebrew
Josephine is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "God will increase (add) the family".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
Hebrew
Religion
Christian / Jewish
Popularity
24 / 100
Syllables
3
Length
9 letters
Meaning
God will increase (add) the family
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, from the root y‑š‑f meaning “to add, increase”. The feminine form Josephine emerged via French adaptation.
Famous People Named Josephine
- Josephine Baker — American-born French dancer, singer and actress (1906–1975)
- Josephine Butler — British feminist and social reformer fighting to end child prostitution (1828–1906)
- Josephine Chaplin — American actress (1949–2023)
- Josephine Crowell — actress (1859–1932)
Frequently Asked Questions About Josephine
What does the name Josephine mean?
Josephine means "God will increase (add) the family", and is of Hebrew origin.
What is the origin of the name Josephine?
Josephine originates from Hebrew, commonly used in Middle East.
Is Josephine a boy or girl name?
Josephine is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Josephine associated with?
Josephine is associated with Christian / Jewish.
Are there famous people named Josephine?
Yes — notable people named Josephine include Josephine Baker (American-born French dancer, 1906–1975), Josephine Butler (British feminist and social reformer fighting to end child prostitution, 1828–1906), Josephine Chaplin (American actress, 1949–2023) and Josephine Crowell (actress, 1859–1932).
Last updated: June 2026