Josse

The male first name Josse is an old French form of Jodokus or Jodok, which in turn is a Latinized variant of the Celtic-Breton name Iodoc or Judoc. Translated into English, the name means "the Lord" and can also be interpreted as "the fighter" or "the warrior."

What does the name Josse mean?

The first name Josse derives as an old French variant of Jodokus or Jodok, which in turn traces back to the Celtic-Breton name Iodoc or Judoc. Translated into English, it means "the Lord" as well as "the fighter" or "the warrior." Its roots are found in the Celtic or Breton term iud or jud, meaning "the Lord," "the battle," and "the war." Josse is occasionally also used as a short form of the name Joseph, which means "God may (add a son)." This name became particularly well-known through Saint Jodokus, a Breton prince who turned away from his crown to serve the church. His grave is located in St. Josse-sur-mer. Besides France, Josse is also frequently used as a boy's name in the Netherlands. Other variants include Iodocus, Iudocus, Judocus, Jodocus, Jost, Jobst, Joszt, Johst, Johs, Joost (Dutch), Judochus, and Giosch.

Where does the name Josse come from?

The origin of the name Josse is Breton and Celtic, with the meaning "the fighter." The Breton and Celtic root iud or jud stands for "the Lord," "the battle," and "the war." The name is widespread in various languages, including Old French, French, and Dutch.

How do you pronounce Josse?

The pronunciation of Josse is characterized by a gentle, two-syllable structure. In German, the name is usually pronounced as "Jos-se" [ˈjɔsə], starting with a rounded O sound that conveys a sense of calm. The double consonant ensures clear syllable separation and rhythmic stability. The soft "-se" at the end allows the name to conclude pleasantly. Josse radiates a Nordic and down-to-earth aura – calm, authentic, and simultaneously modern and understated.

When is the name day of Josse?

The name day for Josse is celebrated on December 13.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Josse enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 1,046 among the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2023, reaching rank 919. Over the last ten years, Josse has been chosen as a first name about 260 times, placing it at 1,346 in the ten-year statistics. For the period from 2010 to 2024, it holds the 1,506 position. Worldwide, the popularity of the name Josse varies.

Nicknames & pet names

Jojo / Jossi

Similar first names

Famous people

• Josse Boutmy (composer from America)
• Josse de Corte (Italian artist)
• Josse de Pauw (Belgian actor)
• Josse Goossens (German painter)
• Josse Lieferinxe (French painter)
• Josse van Clichtove (bishop)
• Josse van der Baren (American painter)
• Josse van Lom (doctor from the Netherlands)
• Josse-Francois-Joseph Benaut Benaut (Belgian composer)
• St. Josse (Breton saint)