NameCensus.

UK surname

Josephs

A patronymic surname derived from the given name Joseph, meaning "he will add" or "God will increase."

In the 1881 census there were 185 people recorded with the Josephs surname, ranking it #13,506 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 664, ranked #8,037, up from #13,506 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Botolph Aldgate, London parishes and St Mary Whitechapel. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Barnet, Cherwell and Birmingham.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Josephs is 664 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 258.9%.

1881 census count

185

Ranked #13,506

Modern count

664

2016, ranked #8,037

Peak year

2016

664 bearers

Map years

8

1861 to 2016

Key insights

  • Josephs had 185 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,506 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 664 in 2016, ranked #8,037.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 361 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Josephs surname distribution map

The map shows where the Josephs surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Josephs surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Josephs over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 81 #19,457
1861 historical 104 #20,477
1881 historical 185 #13,506
1891 historical 239 #13,173
1901 historical 361 #10,196
1911 historical 290 #11,716
1997 modern 518 #9,066
1998 modern 547 #8,975
1999 modern 551 #8,974
2000 modern 560 #8,819
2001 modern 556 #8,732
2002 modern 581 #8,630
2003 modern 582 #8,500
2004 modern 580 #8,543
2005 modern 597 #8,299
2006 modern 607 #8,214
2007 modern 618 #8,174
2008 modern 623 #8,175
2009 modern 640 #8,168
2010 modern 660 #8,142
2011 modern 631 #8,357
2012 modern 615 #8,441
2013 modern 631 #8,407
2014 modern 646 #8,299
2015 modern 646 #8,236
2016 modern 664 #8,037

Geography

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Where Josephs' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Botolph Aldgate, London parishes, St Mary Whitechapel and Gateshead. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Barnet, Cherwell, Birmingham and Arun. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 St Botolph Aldgate London (Central Districts)
2 London parishes London 1
3 St Mary Whitechapel London (East Districts)
4 London parishes London 3
5 Gateshead Durham

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Barnet 032 Barnet
2 Cherwell 017 Cherwell
3 Birmingham 102 Birmingham
4 Birmingham 038 Birmingham
5 Arun 013 Arun

Forenames

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First names often paired with Josephs

These lists show first names that appear often with the Josephs surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Josephs

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Josephs, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Josephs surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Josephs household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Josephs is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Josephs is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Josephs falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Josephs is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Josephs, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Josephs

The surname Josephs is derived from the Hebrew given name Joseph, which means "he will add" or "he will increase." It originated in ancient Israel and was later adopted by various cultures and languages across the world.

The name Josephs is believed to have first appeared in England in the late 12th century. It is thought to have been brought to England by Jewish immigrants from France and Germany, who were among the first to bear the surname.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Josephs can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, dated 1221, which mention a man named Joseph of Bristol. Another early reference is in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, which lists a Robert Josephs.

During the Middle Ages, the name Josephs was sometimes spelled as Joseppes, Joseps, or Josephes, reflecting the variations in spelling and pronunciation of the time. It was also associated with certain place names, such as Josephstow or Josephsham, which may have influenced the adoption of the surname in some cases.

Several notable individuals throughout history have borne the surname Josephs, including:

1. Benjamin Josephs (1736-1786), an English clockmaker and inventor known for his contributions to the development of the chronometer. 2. Samuel Josephs (1733-1800), a Welsh Baptist minister and author who wrote extensively on religious topics. 3. Wilbur Josephs (1892-1967), an American lawyer and judge who served on the New York Supreme Court. 4. Ida Josephs (1878-1959), a British suffragist and activist who campaigned for women's rights and social reform. 5. Stephen Josephs (1914-2005), an American film director and producer known for his work in the documentary genre.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the surname Josephs throughout history, demonstrating its widespread adoption and enduring presence across various cultures and nations.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Josephs families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Josephs surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 103 Josephs' recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.71x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 103 5.71x
Surrey 28 3.18x
Glamorgan 9 2.86x
Denbighshire 7 10.27x
Durham 6 1.12x
Leicestershire 5 2.50x
Essex 3 0.84x
Gloucestershire 3 0.85x
Lancashire 3 0.14x
Berkshire 2 1.48x
Devon 2 0.53x
Lincolnshire 2 0.69x
Northumberland 2 0.74x
Warwickshire 2 0.44x
Yorkshire 2 0.11x
Cumberland 1 0.64x
Derbyshire 1 0.35x
Montgomeryshire 1 2.42x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.41x
Staffordshire 1 0.16x
Worcestershire 1 0.42x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Whitechapel London in Middlesex leads with 18 Josephs' recorded in 1881 and an index of 101.18x.

Place Total Index
Whitechapel London 18 101.18x
Kensington London 11 10.96x
Newington 11 16.50x
St Botolph Aldgate London 10 268.82x
Bethnal Green London 9 11.48x
St George Bloomsbury 8 77.29x
Swansea St Thomas 8 253.16x
Bermondsey 7 13.03x
Mile End Old Town London 6 15.62x
Saffron Hill London 6 1538.46x
Westoe 6 19.72x
Leicester St Martin 5 373.13x
Paddington London 5 7.54x
St Luke London 5 17.28x
Westminster St John 5 22.75x
Gresford Gwersyllt 4 189.57x
Mile End New Town London 4 112.04x
Southwark St Saviour 4 43.15x
Spitalfields London 4 29.48x
Old Artillery Ground 3 193.55x
Wrexham Regis 3 59.29x
Barton St Peter 2 151.52x
Birmingham 2 1.32x
Bothal Demesne 2 156.25x
Bristol Temple 2 85.84x
Chelsea London 2 3.68x
Hornchurch 2 114.29x
Lambeth 2 1.27x
Midgham 2 1052.63x
Shipley 2 21.55x
Tormoham 2 12.59x
Bilston 1 8.47x
Bristol St James In 1 19.23x
Cheetham 1 6.26x
Chiswick 1 10.14x
Clapham 1 4.43x
Crosscanonby 1 19.46x
Enfield 1 8.45x
Islington London 1 0.57x
Kerry 1 80.65x
Leigh 1 34.97x
Llysworney 1 1000.00x
North Meols 1 4.77x
Nottingham St Nicholas 1 30.21x
Pinner 1 63.29x
Rotherhithe 1 4.48x
Shoreditch London 1 1.28x
Southwark Christchurch 1 11.82x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 2.75x
St Andrew Holborn London 1 12.80x
Stapenhill 1 23.75x
Walthamstow 1 7.80x
Walton On Hill 1 8.62x
Westminster St James 1 5.39x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Josephs surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Sarah 8
Mary 7
Esther 5
Hannah 5
Annie 4
Fanny 4
Leah 4
Amelia 3
Eliza 3
Elizabeth 3
Jane 3
Julia 3
Phoebe 3
Rachael 3
Ellen 2
Frances 2
Harriet 2
Minnie 2
Olivia 2
Rebecca 2
Ada 1
Agatha 1
Anne 1
Betsy 1
Catherine 1
Charlott 1
Deborah 1
Emily 1
Emma 1
Ester 1
Francis 1
Isabel 1
Janet 1
Katherine 1
M.Ellen 1
Margaret 1
Margret 1
Martha 1
Mildred 1
Nellie 1
Pauline 1
Sophia 1
Tizzie 1
Woolf 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Josephs surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 10
Joseph 9
Charles 4
David 4
Edward 4
Moses 4
Samuel 4
Henry 3
Isaac 3
Richard 3
Thomas 3
Walter 3
William 3
Abraham 2
Emanuel 2
James 2
Philip 2
Simon 2
Albert 1
Alexander 1
Arthur 1
Asher 1
Barnet 1
Barwell 1
Crofton 1
Emmanuel 1
Ernest 1
Francis 1
Israel 1
Jacob 1
Joshua 1
Lazarus 1
Mathew 1
Michael 1
Morris 1
Percy 1
Phillip 1
Soloman 1
Solomon 1
W.L. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Josephs surname: questions and answers

How common was the Josephs surname in 1881?

In 1881, 185 people were recorded with the Josephs surname. That placed it at #13,506 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Josephs surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 664 in 2016. That gives Josephs a modern rank of #8,037.

What does the Josephs surname mean?

A patronymic surname derived from the given name Joseph, meaning "he will add" or "God will increase."

What does the Josephs map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Josephs bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.