National Joseph Day

National Joseph Day is a special celebration dedicated to honoring individuals named Joseph and its variations. This day appreciates the rich history and significance of one of the most enduring names in human history.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 16th annually
Tagged as: Name celebration, Cultural observance
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalJosephDay
When was it founded?: Unknown
Who founded it?: Origins unclear

History

The name Joseph has biblical roots, originating from the Hebrew name Yossef, meaning “to add” or “increase.” The name gained prominence through two significant biblical figures: Joseph, son of Jacob, and Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus.

Timeline

1800 BCE: First biblical Joseph mentioned in Genesis
1st Century CE: Saint Joseph’s era
1800s: Joseph becomes one of America’s top 10 names
1900s: Reaches peak popularity in US naming statistics
2000s: Maintains position as one of the top 30 names

Dates by Next Year

Year	Date	Day
2025	April 16	Wednesday
2026	April 16	Thursday
2027	April 16	Friday

Observed

The day is celebrated by recognizing and honoring people named Joseph through social gatherings, special greetings, and social media posts. Many families use this day to share stories about their beloved Josephs.

Fun Facts About Joseph

The name Joseph has ranked in the US top 25 names for over 100 years
Variations include Joe, Joey, José, Giuseppe, and Yusuf
The feminine forms include Josephine and Josette
“Joe” is also slang for coffee, dating back to the 1940s

Quiz

What does the name Joseph mean?
In which religious text does Joseph first appear?
How many significant Josephs are there in the Bible?
(Answers: 1. To add/increase, 2. The Old Testament, 3. Two main figures)

FAQs

Q: Is National Joseph Day the same as St. Joseph’s Day?
A: No, St. Joseph’s Day is celebrated on March 19th

Q: Can women named Josephine celebrate this day?
A: Yes, the day honors all variations of the name

Importance of National Joseph Day

This celebration recognizes the cultural impact of the name Joseph while honoring individuals who bear this historic name. It serves as a reminder of the name’s rich heritage and continued significance in modern society.