Meaning & History
Josefine is a Scandinavian and German feminine given name, a form of Joséphine, which is ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Joseph meaning "he will add" or "God shall add (another son)." The name thus shares in the long and widespread history of the Joseph name family, connecting to biblical figures and centuries of royal and cultural figures.
Etymology and Roots
The root of the name is the Hebrew name Yosef, from the verb yasaf meaning "to add, to increase." In the Old Testament, Joseph was the favored son of Jacob and Rachel, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but later rose to become a powerful advisor to the Pharaoh. In the New Testament, Joseph is the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The name became particularly popular among Christians after the medieval period, spreading through Spain and Italy, and eventually across Europe.
Notable Bearers
The name Josefine has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. In the arts, German actresses Josefine Preuß and Josefine Balluck (who played a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz) are known. Swedish musicians include jazz singer Josefine Cronholm and singer Josefine Ridell, who represented Sweden in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. In sports, Swedish footballer Josefine Öqvist and skip-orienteering champion Josefine Engström are notable. Political figures include German politician Josefine Paul. Austrian resistance member Josefine Brunner was executed by the Nazi regime in 1943.
Cultural Significance and Variants
Josefine is used predominantly in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. Its Swedish variants include Josefin and Josefina, while the German spelling retains the final "e" as Josephine. The name is one of many European forms—from Croatian Jozefina to Catalan Josepa—united by the underlying story of Joseph.
- Meaning: "He will add" (from Hebrew)
- Origin: Scandinavian and German form of Joséphine/Joseph
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Josefine