THE MEANING & THE CONTEXT
The story behind Jose
Jose is the unaccented form related to Spanish José and Joseph. The Hebrew lexical entry for Yoseph connects the older name with adding or increasing; the familiar religious reading comes from its biblical context. Official Philippine records document Jose Rizal, while the spelling José is also used; neither spelling alone determines a bearer’s language or ancestry.
Related forms & spellings
Related forms may have their own language histories. They are not included in this spelling’s PSA count.
JoséJoseph
Follow the sources
- Strong’s Hebrew lexicon: Yoseph, entry 3130 (opens in a new tab)
Older Hebrew personal name and adding/increasing interpretation
- Behind the Name: José (opens in a new tab)
Secondary corroboration of modern Spanish form and Jose variant; not the sole etymology source
- House of Representatives: Jose Rizal commemoration, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
Official documentation of Jose Rizal and his name