Meaning & History
Josselin is a French masculine given name, a regional variant of Jocelyn. While Jocelyn in English has become a predominantly feminine name, in France Josselin retains its masculine usage.
Etymology and History
Josselin traces its distant origins to the Frankish masculine name Gautselin or Gauzlin, derived from the Germanic element gautaz, meaning "Geat" (from the Germanic tribe the Geats), combined with a Latin diminutive suffix. The Normans introduced the name to England as Goscelin or Joscelin, where it was common until the 14th century before being revived in the 20th century primarily as a feminine surname-turned-given-name. In France, however, distinct spelling variations like Josselin have retained a distinct masculine identity.
Cultural and Geographic Significance
Josselin is also the name of a commune in the Morbihan department in Brittany, northwestern France. The town of Josselin (Breton: Josilin) is a historic settlement built around a castle and basilica, referencing the well. According to tradition, a blind girl's sight was restored upon discovering a wooden statue in brambles in 808. A chapel and later a church were built on the site to commemorate this miracle. The town became a stronghold for the House of Rohan, a prominent French noble family.
In 1351, during the Breton War of Succession (part of the Hundred Years' War), a hostage conflict known as the Combat of the Thirty took place involving English knights led by Robert Bramborough.
Related Names and Distribution
Variants of Josselin in other languages include: Jocelin (French), Gautselin (Germanic), Gozzo (Germanic), Gaute (Norwegian, from the same Geat root), and Joss (diminutive in English). Feminine forms in French include Joceline, Jocelyne, Joseline, Joselyne, and Josseline.
- Meaning: "Little Geat" (derived from Germanic gautaz meaning Geat)
- Origin: Germanic -> Frankish -> French
- Gender: Masculine (in French)
- Usage: France (especially Brittany)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Josselin