Meaning & History
Josslyn is a feminine given name in English, primarily a variant of Jocelyn. Like other modern spellings such as Joselyn and Joslyn, Josslyn emerged as an adaptation of the surname Jocelyn, which itself derived from a medieval given name.
Etymology
The name Jocelyn traces back to a Frankish masculine name spelled variously as Gautselin or Gauzlin. This name was composed of the Germanic element *gautaz, referring to the Geats (a North Germanic tribe), combined with a Latin diminutive suffix. The Normans brought it to England in the forms Goscelin or Joscelin, and it remained common until the 14th century. After a long period of disuse, the name was revived in the 20th century as a feminine name, likely inspired by the surname Jocelyn (a medieval diminutive of the given name). In France, Jocelyn remains exclusively masculine. Josslyn shares this heritage and is one of several spelling variants that have gained popularity in recent decades.
Notable Bearers
The name Josslyn is relatively uncommon, so few widely known public figures bear this exact spelling. However, notable bearers of the base name Jocelyn include Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the astrophysicist who discovered pulsars, and fashion designer Jocelyn Wildenstein. The form Jocelyn has also been used for characters in fiction, such as Jocelyn 'Jos' Barrow from the BBC series The Beiderbecke Affair. The variant Josslyn might be encountered in contemporary contexts as parents seek unique spellings.
Related Forms
In addition to Josslyn, other English variants include Jocelin and Josceline, while Jocelyne and Joseline are French feminine forms. The diminutive Joss is occasionally used as an independent name. In Latin American Spanish, the form Yoselin also appears.
- Meaning: Variant of Jocelyn, ultimately derived from a Germanic name meaning "Geat" + diminutive suffix
- Origin: Frankish, via Norman French and English
- Type: Given name, modern feminine usage
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries