Is José a biblical name?

Yes, it is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Hebrew name Joseph, a prominent figure in both the Old and New Testaments.

What is the female version of José?

The most common female versions are Josefa and Josefina, and it is also frequently used in feminine compound names like María José.

What are common nicknames for José?

In Spanish, the most common nickname is Pepe; in Portuguese, common nicknames include Zé and Zezé.

Name meaning & originJosé

/ho-SAY/

Spanish, PortugueseBoy

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José is a Spanish, Portuguese boy's name pronounced /ho-SAY/. The name means 'God will add' or 'He shall add'.

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Meaning of José

The name means 'God will add' or 'He shall add'.

It is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, appearing in the Bible as the son of Jacob and Rachel and later as the earthly father of Jesus. The name spread through Europe via the Latin form Josephus. In Spanish and Portuguese cultures, it became one of the most foundational names due to the veneration of Saint Joseph.

Origin: Spanish, Portuguese
Pronunciation: /ho-SAY/

Cultural background

It is one of the most common masculine names in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines, often used in double names like José Luis or José Antonio.

Variations & nicknames

Joseph
Giuseppe
Pepe
Zé
Josef
Chepe

Famous people named José

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

José Saramago
Nobel Prize-winning novelist and playwright
Literature · 20th-21st Century
José Martí
Cuban national hero, poet, and philosopher
Politics/Literature · 19th Century
José Carreras
Renowned operatic tenor and one of The Three Tenors
Music · 20th-21st Century
José Mourinho
Highly decorated professional football manager
Sport · 21st Century
José de San Martín
Argentine general and primary leader of the southern part of South America's struggle for independence
Military/Politics · 18th-19th Century

Frequently asked about José

Is José a biblical name?: Yes, it is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Hebrew name Joseph, a prominent figure in both the Old and New Testaments.
What is the female version of José?: The most common female versions are Josefa and Josefina, and it is also frequently used in feminine compound names like María José.
What are common nicknames for José?: In Spanish, the most common nickname is Pepe; in Portuguese, common nicknames include Zé and Zezé.

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