Juozas is a Lithuanian masculine given name, a shortened version of Juozapas, which in turn is the Lithuanian equivalent of Joseph. The name Joseph originates from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning “he will add” (from the root yasaf, “to add, to increase”). In the Old Testament, Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but later became a powerful advisor to the pharaoh in Egypt. In the New Testament, Saint Joseph is the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The name Joseph has been widespread among Jews and Christians alike, gaining particular popularity in Europe after the Protestant Reformation. The form Juozas is used almost exclusively in Lithuania. It arose as a short form of Juozapas, the Lithuanian adaptation of the Latin Josephus. Lithuanian naming traditions often prefer abbreviated or affectionate forms of biblical and saints’ names, and Juozas is one of the most common of these. The name is firmly established in Lithuanian culture, both in urban and rural settings. Notable bearers of the name include a wide range of figures from Lithuanian history and culture. Juozas Adomaitis-Šernas (1859–1922) was a scientific writer and book smuggler during the Lithuanian press ban. Juozas Ambrazevičius (1903–1974) was a literary historian and political figure. Juozas Bagdonas (1911–2005) was a noted painter, and Juozas Balčikonis (1885–1969) was a linguist who helped standardize the Lithuanian language. Other bearers include actors, politicians, and sportspeople, such as Lithuanian windsurfer Juozas Bernotas (born 1989) and actor Juozas Budraitis (born 1940). Cultural Significance In Lithuanian naming practice, Juozas is a classic, timeless choice. Like many Lithuanian forms of biblical names, it reflects the country’s deep-rooted Catholic traditions. The name is not confined to any single social class or region; it is found across all walks of life. Variants in other languages include Jozef (Slovak), Zef (Albanian), and Arabic forms such as Yousef and Youssef. Key Facts Meaning: “He will add” (derived from Joseph) Origin: Lithuanian short form of Juozapas (Joseph) Type: Masculine given name Usage Regions: Primarily Lithuania Notable Bearers: Juozas Ambrazevičius, Juozas Balčikonis, Juozas Budraitis, and others