Meaning & History
Josipa is a Croatian feminine given name, derived from the Slavic and Greek roots of Joseph. It is a form of the masculine Croatian name Josip, which itself corresponds to the English Joseph.
Etymology
The name Josipa originates from the male name Jòsip, combined with the feminine suffix -a, typical of Croatian feminine nouns and names. The root name Joseph comes from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "he will increase," from the root yasaf meaning "to add." In the Old Testament, Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and Rachel, and in the New Testament, Saint Joseph is the husband of Mary.
Usage and Cultural Context
In Croatia and other South Slavic countries like Serbia and Bosnia, Josipa is a relatively common feminine given name. It is often simplified in formal contexts or derived from the masculine Josip. The Croatian language features a rich tradition of forming feminine names by adding the suffix -a to masculine counterparts, similar to how Marta is derived from Martin or Branka from Branko.
Notable Bearers
While high-profile individuals named Josipa are less known globally, several notable Croatian women bear the name, including politicians, academics, and athletes. For example, Josipa Periša is a Croatian handball coach. Given its regional use, the name is primarily found in Croatia and among diaspora communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in other former Yugoslav republics. The name Jožica serves as a diminutive form, and feminine variants in other languages include Josepa (Catalan), Josefína (Czech), Josefine (Swedish), Josepha (German), and Josephine (German).
- Meaning: Feminine form of Joseph, meaning "he will add"
- Origin: Croatian, derived from Hebrew Yosef
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage: Primarily Croatian, also found in Serbia, Bosnia, and diaspora
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Josipa