Josephine

A feminine form traditionally connected to Joseph, often glossed as “God will add/increase” in older name references.

Josephine is a feminine given name with a long history in French usage and broad familiarity in English as well. It often reads as polished and traditional, and it tends to be easy to carry because it offers multiple natural short forms. In name references, Josephine is generally treated as the feminine form connected to Joseph. Many older sources give Joseph (and therefore Josephine by association) a meaning along the lines of “God will add” or “God will increase,” though the way that meaning is explained can differ by reference and by how deeply it goes into Hebrew-language analysis. In English, a common pronunciation guide is JOH-suh-feen, with three syllables and a clear final “-feen.” Practical everyday options include Jo and Josie, which are widely recognized as nicknames for Josephine.

Etymology: Josephine is widely used in French and English usage as a feminine form linked to Joseph; the deeper root is typically traced back to the Hebrew name Yosef, though details can vary by reference.