Meaning & History
Josée is a French feminine form of Joseph, one of several female variants derived from the biblical name. While Josèphe serves as a direct French equivalent, Josée is more streamlined and has been in use in France and French-speaking regions. The name ultimately traces back through Greek and Latin to the Hebrew יוֹסֵף (Yosef), meaning "he will add," from the root yasaf meaning "to add, to increase." This etymology is rooted in the Old Testament story of Joseph, Rachel and Jacob's son, whose name was interpreted as a blessing of increase.
In the French context, Josée emerged as a feminine counterpart alongside Joséphine, a diminutive that became widespread due to the fame of Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais. While Joséphine gained international popularity, Josée remained more specifically French, retaining an elegant simplicity. The name is not as common today but held moderate usage in the 20th century, especially in Quebec and France.
Notable Bearers
Several Canadian women have brought prominence to the name. Josée Bélanger (born 1986) is a professional soccer player who represented Canada internationally. Josée Chouinard (born 1969) is a figure skater who won the Canadian national championship and competed at the Winter Olympics. Josée Dayan (born 1943) is a French filmmaker and producer known for her work in television and cinema. In politics, Josée Beaudin (born 1961) and Josée Duplessis have served in Canadian government, while Luxembourgish politician Josée Lorsché (born 1961) has been active in the Green Party. Journalist Josée Legault (born 1966) is a well-known media commentator in Quebec.
Variants and Related Forms
While Josée is the standard feminine form in French, other cultures have their own equivalents: in Catalan, Josepa; in Croatian, Josipa and Jozefina; in Czech, Josefína; and in Slovene, Jožica alongside longer forms. These derivative names share the enduring legacy of Joseph, a name consistently popular across Europe and the Americas throughout history, and currently among the top feminine choices inspired by that masculine tradition.
- Meaning: "he will add" (French feminine form of Joseph)
- Origin: French, via Latin and Greek from Hebrew Yosef
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage: French, especially Canada and France
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Josée