Joslyn

Joslyn is an English feminine variant of Jocelyn, a name with Germanic and Norman roots. It emerged as a phonetic spelling of Jocelyn, particularly used as a given name in the 20th century.

Etymology

Joslyn ultimately derives from a Frankish masculine name recorded as Gautselin or Gauzlin, among other spellings. The base element is the Germanic *gautaz, referring to the Geats, an ancient North Germanic tribe, combined with a Latin diminutive suffix. The Normans brought the name to England in the forms Goscelin or Joscelin, where it was common until the 14th century. After a long decline, the name was revived in the 20th century, primarily as a feminine name, possibly influenced by the surname Jocelyn, itself a medieval derivative of the given name. In origin, the name may carry connotations of strength and kinship with the Geats.

Notable Bearers

Joslyn is more common as a surname, where it has been borne by various notable individuals. Allyn Joslyn (1901–1981) was an American actor known for his work on stage, film, and television. Betsy Joslyn (born 1954) is a Broadway actress and soprano. Frank Joslyn Baum (1883–1958), son of L. Frank Baum, was a lawyer and film producer. Matilda Joslyn Gage (1826–1898) was a prominent suffragist and activist for Native American rights and abolition. Hezekiah Joslyn was an abolitionist, and Cliff Joslyn (born 1963) is a noted information systems scientist. Patent Allen Joslyn (born 1986) gained notoriety for a criminal act, showing the range of fame attached to the name.

• Meaning: Derived from Jocelyn, a Germanic name possibly meaning 'little Geat'
• Origin: Germanic, via Norman French and English
• Type: Given name (feminine) and surname
• Usage regions: English-speaking world, especially the United States and United Kingdom