Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Joseph.
National Rank (2025)
#29
All-Time Peak Rank
#5 (1912)
Total U.S. Births
2,669,490
Unisex Distribution99.6% Boy / 0.4% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Joseph Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Joseph
According to SSA data, Joseph achieved its highest historical rank of #5 in 1912. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1956 with 32,749 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 36.7%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Joseph scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-36.7% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record32,749Births in 1956
Years in Top 100
146yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityVery Stable
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:26,292
1890s:29,000
1900s:35,173
1910s:179,300
1920s:243,809
1930s:180,566
1940s:230,285
1950s:300,012
1960s:283,048
1970s:244,825
1980s:299,411
1990s:260,751
2000s:194,962
2010s:115,722
2020s:46,334
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesJos-eph
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 25.7% of SSA names. Starts with J, a letter used by only 7.8% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Joseph? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics