Meaning & History
Joceline is a French feminine form of the name Jocelyn, ultimately derived from a Frankish masculine name with Germanic origins. The root name, recorded in various spellings such as Gautselin and Gauzlin, combines the Germanic element gautaz, referring to the Geats (a North Germanic tribe), with a Latin diminutive suffix. Introduced to England by the Normans in the forms Goscelin or Joscelin, the name was common in the medieval period but fell out of use by the 14th century. It was revived in the 20th century, primarily as a feminine name, possibly influenced by the surname Jocelyn (a medieval derivative of the given name).
In modern usage, Joceline is used almost exclusively as a feminine name in French-speaking countries, while in France, the masculine form Jocelyn or Josselin remains in use for males. Variants of Joceline include Jocelyne, Joseline, and Joselyne, while masculine forms include Jocelin and Josselin. In English, the name appears as Jocelyn, Jocelin, Josceline, Joselyn, Joslyn, or the shortened form Joss.
- Meaning: Feminine form of Jocelyn, from a Germanic name meaning "of the Geats."
- Origin: Frankish/Germanic, transmitted via Norman French.
- Type: First name.
- Usage: French (feminine).