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Show ContentsJoseph History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Anglo-Saxon name Joseph comes from the baptismal name for the son of Joseph.

"Many of the modern directory Josephs are of Jewish extraction, but there are also a fair number of Josephs who have a purely English descent." [1]

Early Origins of the Joseph family

The surname Joseph was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where the Latin form Josephus was recorded. [2] Later in Norfolk, Joseph (no forename) was listed at Holme (1141-1149) and later in Lincolnshire in 1187. In Herefordshire, Umfridus filius Josep was found there in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1205 and then William Joseph was entered in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire in 1191 and in the Curia Regis Rolls for Suffolk in 1205. [3]

Joseph of Exeter, in Latin Joseph Iscanus (fl. 1190), was a mediæval "Latin poet, was, as he tells us himself, a native of Exeter, being the fellow-townsman and lifelong friend of Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury." [4]

Early History of the Joseph family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Joseph research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1191, 1205, 1273, 1754, 1764, 1846, 1764, 1784, 1792, 1788, 1797, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1790, 1850, 1815 and 1811 are included under the topic Early Joseph History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Joseph Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Joseph were recorded, including Joseph, Josephs, Josephson and others.

Early Notables of the Joseph family (pre 1700)

Distinguished members of the family include George Francis Joseph (1764-1846), Irish painter. He is said to be a native of Dublin, was born 25 Nov. 1764. He became a student at the Royal Academy in 1784, and in 1792 gained the gold medal for a 'Scene from Coriolanus.' He sent his first contribution to the Academy in 1788, and became a constant exhibitor both there and at the British Institution. In 1797 he painted 'Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse.' In 1811 the directors of the British Institution awarded him one-third of their combined premiums of 350 guineas for his 'Return...
Another 138 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Joseph Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Joseph World Ranking

In the United States, the name Joseph is the 384th most popular surname with an estimated 72,123 people with that name. [5] However, in Canada, the name Joseph is ranked the 415th most popular surname with an estimated 11,209 people with that name. [6] And in Quebec, Canada, the name Joseph is the 305th popular surname. [7] France ranks Joseph as 614th with 7,706 people. [8] Australia ranks Joseph as 579th with 6,686 people. [9] New Zealand ranks Joseph as 552nd with 1,273 people. [10] The United Kingdom ranks Joseph as 891st with 7,687 people. [11] South Africa ranks Joseph as 321st with 20,802 people. [12]

Ireland Migration of the Joseph family to Ireland

Some of the Joseph family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Joseph migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Joseph family emigrate to North America:

Joseph Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Evan Joseph, who arrived in Virginia in 1639 [13]
  • Bonaventure Joseph, who settled in America around 1658
Joseph Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Jurig Joseph, who arrived in New York in 1709 [13]
  • Tobias Joseph, who landed in South Carolina in 1741 [13]
  • Georg Henrich Joseph, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1751 [13]
  • Captain Joseph to Boston in 1768
  • Henry Joseph to America in 1772
Joseph Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Salomon Joseph, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1802 [13]
  • Eugène Joseph, who arrived in New Orleans in 1822
  • Clemontina Joseph, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1826 [13]
  • Nikolaus Joseph, who arrived in America in 1833 [13]
  • Philip Joseph, who arrived in New York in 1836 [13]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Joseph Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Hermann Joseph, who arrived in Arkansas in 1903 [13]
  • William Henry Joseph, who landed in Alabama in 1920 [13]

Australia Joseph migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Joseph Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Joseph Warburton, (Baylis), (b. 1792), English settler born to convict Hannah Warburton aboard the ship "Bellona" on 12th September 1792, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [14]
  • Mr. Joseph Booth, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. Joseph Francis, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. Joseph Gilbert, English convict who was convicted in Wiltshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Mr. Joseph Hodges, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Joseph Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Joseph Alden, English convict who was convicted in Bristol, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Mr. Joseph Arundale, English convict who was convicted in Leeds, Yorkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Mr. Joseph Barker, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Mr. Joseph Douglas, (b. 1783), aged 32, Scottish farmer who was convicted in Dumfries, Scotland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1865 [16]
  • Mr. Joseph Gill, (Stiles), English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Joseph migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Joseph Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Jacob Joseph, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Exporter
  • Moses Joseph, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • Hyam Joseph, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Exporter
  • Israel Joseph, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1843
  • Mr. J. Joseph, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 3rd January 1843 [17]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Joseph (post 1700) +

  • James A. Joseph (1935-2023), American diplomat, born in Plaisance, Louisiana, President of the Cummins Engine Foundation from 1971-1976, , U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, 1995-1999
  • Carlos Joseph (1980-2021), American professional football player who was an offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes
  • Anton Joseph (1923-2009), American Minnesota politician
  • Quinton Joseph (b. 1946), American rhythm and blues artist
  • Jackie Joseph (b. 1934), American comedy actress, remembered for her role in the original 'Little Shop of Horrors'
  • Thomas Joseph, American lawyer and politician, who served in Vietnam War 1969-1970, was governor of Pennsylvania 1995-2001, and the 1st Secretary of Homeland Security 2003-
  • Salvatore Joseph, American jazz pianist and composer
  • John Joseph, three-time Academy Award and seven time Golden Globe winning American film actor
  • Charles Joseph, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Kansas, 1960 [18]
  • Charles Joseph, American Democratic Party politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Kings County 16th District, 1916; Defeated, 1919 [18]
  • ... (Another 45 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Joseph Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Cas ni charo y wlad a'i mago
Motto Translation: Loathed be he that loveth not his native land

Suggested Readings for the name Joseph +

  • An Account of Joseph and Abrahams Families in America by Marc Allan Austen.
  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  6. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  7. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  8. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  10. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  11. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  12. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bellona
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  17. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  18. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 20) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
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