Joseph Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Meaning, Origin, Etymology
The surname Joseph is an Anglo-Saxon name that comes from the baptismal name for the son of Joseph.  It is of English, German, French, Spanish and Jewish cultures. It derived from the Hebrew Yosef may He (God) add (another son), so basically ‘god may add to’ is a rough translation.  In Europe the name was borne frequently by Jews, it was introduced into England by returning Crusaders and Pilgrims of the 11th century. The name is Hebrew and came from the Holy Land but was not originally a surname.  Persons of Jewish faith were not allowed to settle in England because they were banned by King Edward around 1290. They were finally allowed to settle in England around 1655 during the reign of Owen Cromwell. The name has been a very popular name in England since the Norman times.   The first known record of the surname is that of ‘Josephus of London’ being recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book.

Spelling Variations
Joseph, Josephs, Josephson

Popularity & Geographic Distribution
The last name Joseph ranks 231st in popularity worldwide as of the 2014 Census and approximately 2,197,153 people carry the Joseph surname worldwide. The name ranks particularly high in the following six states: New York, Florida, Texas, California, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.  It ranks highest in the following countries: Haiti (521,212), Tanzania (495,811), Nigeria (468,616), India (160,015), United States (112,716), Papua New Guinea ( 74,606)

Early Bearers of Surname
Josephus of London being recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book, and Joseph of Lincoln in the Danelaw Rolls of the year 1147
Umfridus, the son of Josep is recorded in the Curia Regis rolls of Hertfordshire in the year 1205
William Joseph, this being one of the first surname recordings in the year 1205 in Suffolk
Josephson is recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Cambridge for the year 1332 when John Josepsone is so recorded
Henry Joseph, which was dated 1191, in the pipe rolls of the county of Hampshire

Early Marriages for Joseph
Thomas Joseph married Mary Gray on Sept. 11, 1656 in Derry Cathedral, Templemore, Londonderry, Ireland
John Joseph married Catherine Kelly on Feb. 12, 1866 in Ireland
Isabella Joseph married John Joseph on Dec. 9, 1850 in Ireland
Francis Joseph married Jane Kilkenny on Dec. 19, 1846 in Ballinasloe, Galway, Ireland
Isaac Joseph married Ann Caughey on Dec. 20, 1847 in Belfast, Ant, Ireland
William Joseph married Ann Elizabeth Onge on Feb. 11, 1847 in Kilclooney, Galway, Ireland
Jane Joseph married James Dinsmore on Jul. 2, 1849 in Londonderry, Ireland
John Charles Joseph married Susan Jones on Apr. 22, 1849 in St. Thomas, Dublin, Ireland
Isabella Joseph married George Bamberry on Dec. 8, 1850 in Ireland
Henry Samuel Joseph married Francis Chapman on Apr. 15, 1852 in Monkstown, Dublin, Ireland
Robert Joseph married Nancy McClentick on Mar. 10, 1864 in Templemore, Londonderry, Ireland
Sarah Joseph married Solomon Barnard on Dec. 13, 1865 in Dublin South, Dublin, Ireland
James Joseph married Mary Kylie on Apr. 20, 1865 in Londonderry, Parish of Templemore, Ireland

History, Genealogy & Ancestry
JOSEPH OF PORTSOKEN
Sir Keith Sinjohn Joseph, 2nd Bt. of Portsoken in the City of London; educated at Harrow and Magdalen College, Oxford (B.A. 1939, M.A. 1944), Barrister-at-Law, Middle Temple 1946, Fell. of All Souls’ Coll. Oxford 1946; Common Councilman of City of London for Ward of Portsoken 1946; Alderman for Ward of Portsoken 1946; Liveryman of the Vintners’ Co., and Underwriting member of Llyods 1944; Licentiate of the Insitute of Builders 1947; served in World War II 1939-45, as Capt. R.A. (despatches, wounded); born January 17, 1918 succeeded his father 1944.
Lineage ~ Abraham Joseph born July 28, 1858 married November 4, 1885 to Sarah and died April 1, 1933 having had issue.  Sir Samuel George Joseph, 1st Bt., of 2 Connaught Place, W2; educated at City of London School, D.L. Mayor of St. Marylebone 1928-30, member of Common Council and Lieut for the City of Lond, Alderman, Portsoken Ward 1933, Sheriff of City of Lond 1933-34, Lord Mayor 1942-43, served in World War I 1914-19 (Lt. 4th Bn. Royal Irish Regt. 1915, Capt, 5th Bn. 1917, despatches) Hon. Col. 56th (1st London) Div R.E. (T.A.) 1933-38, Co-Chm. and Man. Dir. of Bovis Ltd. and underwriting member of Lloyds; Knighted 1934, and created a Baronet November 16, 1943; born August 15, 1888 married July 6, 1916 to Edna Cicely (Flat 12, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, W) the daughter of late Philip Alexander Solomon Phillips, of Portland Place, W1 and had issue, Keith Sinjohn (Sir), 2nd and Present Bt.  Sir Samuel died October 4, 1944 and was succeeded by his only son.
Creation ~ Baronet (U.K.), November 16, 1943.
Arms ~ Per chevron gu. and barry wavy of ten az. and or a fesse embattled of the last massoned sa., in chief a sun in splendour gold.
Crest ~ In front of an annulet az. encircling a tower gu. two sprigs of honesty leaved and slipped saltire-wise ppr.
Motto ~ Incepta perficiam.
Residence ~ Flat 12, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, W.1.
Clubs ~ Carlton; M.C.C.

JOSEPH OF STOKE-ON-TRENT.
Sir Francis (L’Estrange) Joseph, 1st Bt., K.B.E., of Stoke-on-Trent, County of Stafford; educated at Caledonian School Liverpol and left at age of 12 to become a railway messenger, later achieving success in business as a colliery proprietor; Chm. and Man. Dir. of Settle, Speakman & Co., Ltd. of Stoke-on-Trent, London, etc., and of its associated companies; Dir of Midland Bank, Ltd., of Rio Tinto Ltd., and A. and S. Henry & Co., Ltd. and other public Cos; founder of Central Pig Iron Producers and Basic Iron Producers Assoc. 1928; J.P. county Chester D.L.; and J.P. county Stafford (High Sheriff 1932-33), K St. J, M.I. Min. E., F.R.S.A. served in World War I 1914-18, Capt. administrative duties, Western Cmd. 1916, Staff Capt. War Office 1917, Asst Sec. Min. of Nat. Service 1917, Dep. Dir. Nat. Labour Supply 1918, a member of British Govt. Economic Mission to S. Africa 1930; hon. Col. 71st Reg. R.A. 1940-46, hon. Freeman, City of Stoke-on-Trent 1936, a member of Overseas Trade Development Council 1930-44, Pres. Fed. of British Industries 1935-36, Pres. Soc. of British Gas Industries 1939-45, mem. of Royal Commn. on Geographical Distribution of Industrial Population 1937-39, Govt. Dir. Imp. Airways 1936-39, Acting Chm. and Chm. of Govt. sponsored co. The U.K. Commercial Corp. Ltd. 1942-46, Pres. Institute of Industrial Administration 1944-48; created C.B.E. 1918, a Knight 1922, K.B.E. 1935, and a Baronet July 8, 1942; born July 31, 1870 married April 18, 1917 to Violet the daughter of Joel Settle, M.I.Min.E., of The Hall, Alsager, County, Chester and has issue.  1) Rosamond Mary born October 11, 1919 married February 14, 1942, Major Peter Rouse Addison Birley, R.A. eldest son of Capt. Charles F. Birley 2) Cynthia Violet Maud, born December 12, 1921 married April 27, 1946, Capt. Peter Stanley Walter Dean. The Suffolk Regt., only son of John Dean of White Lodge, Colchester, Essex.
Lineage ~ This family is descended from Spaniards who were survivors of the Armada that wrecked on the West Coast of Ireland and were from the surname of Jose or Josef, which was anglicised to Joseph.  They settled in Ireland and inter-married with the native Irish. Richard Joseph of Aughrim, County, Galway, Ireland born 1801 died at Philadelphia, U.S.A. 1833 leaving issue, Thomas Joseph of Liverpool born at Aughrim, County, Galway March 17, 1828 married May 8, 1861 to Elizabeth (who died August 6, 1874) the daughter of Richard Smith of Maghera, S. Derry, Ireland and died May 24, 1900, leaving issue.  1) Thomas Hills, M.A., LL.D. born November 3, 1863 died July 16, 1920 leaving issue one daughter. 2) William John born November 4, 1865; d.s.p. at Johannesburg, June 1906. 3) James Alexander (Bron-y-Garth, Liverpool Road, Chester) born November 21, 1867 married March 1905 and has five daughters. 4) Francis L’Estrange, created a Baronet 1942.
Creation ~ Baronet (U.K.), July 8, 1942.
Arms ~ Or, a griffin segreant sa. on a chief indented of the second, a trefoil slipped between two garbs of the field
Crest ~ A rock in flames ppr.
Motto ~ Truth is light.
Residence ~ The Hall, Alsager, County, Chester
Clubs ~ Carlton; City Livery

JOSEPH FAMILY SUSSEX, DELAWARE
John Joseph born 1537 in Cornwall England married November 2, 1562 in Wendron, Cornwall, England to Jenet Coorbis (1542-1600). John died 1603 in Cornwall England. They had one son Thomas Joseph born 1592 in Cornwall England married January 19, 1617 to Johanna (1597-1667). He died 1656 in Cornwall England. Their Children were: Jane, Ralph, John, Thomas, Pentecosta, Joseph, and Blandina. Their son John was born 1635 in Wendron, Cornwall, England married July 9, 1688 to Elizabeth Thomas who was born in 1640. John died in 1732 in Wendron, Cornwall, England. Their children were: William, Thomas, Bennett, John and Susannah. Their son William was born in 1650 in Dublin, Ireland married 1675 in England to Elizabeth Carberry (1658-1713). He died 1729 in St. Marys, Maryland. Their Children were: William, Elizabeth, Joseph, and John. Their son Joseph was born 1686 in Dublin, Ireland married 1714 in Delaware to Mary who was born 1690. He died 1755 in Indian River, Sussex, Delaware. Their children were: Jeremiah and Berthena. Their son Jeremiah was born 1715 in Indian River, Sussex, Delaware married 1740 in Sussex, Delaware to Mary Polly Smith (1716-1759). He died March 8, 1784 in Indian River, Sussex, Delaware. They had the following children: Lavinia, Elisha, Esther, Hezekiah, Joseph, Jonathan, William, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. Their son William Joseph born on April 27, 1747 in Indian River Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware married September 25, 1766 in Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland to Sarah Stafford born 1748 in Indian River, Sussex County, Delaware and she died February 23, 1834 she is the daughter of Thomas Stafford (1720-1790) and Rachel Merritt (1729-1795) both of Sussex, Delaware. William was a Sergeant with the Continental Troops in Virginia during the Revolutionary War. William and Sarah had the following children: Lavina, Hannah, Rebecca, Lemuel, Fanny, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, Sarah, Nathan, Frances, Rosanna, Hezekiah, John, Reason, William, Cassie and Clemon. William died June 30, 1828 in Morgantown, Monongalia, West Virginia.

Early American Immigration and New World Settlers
Joseph Settlers in America in the 17th & 18th Centuries
Evan Joseph, who arrived in Virginia in 1639
Bonaventure Joseph, who settled in America around 1658
Jurig Joseph, who arrived in New York in 1709
Tobias Joseph to South Carolina in 1741
Tobias Joseph, who landed in South Carolina in 1749
Georg Henrich Joseph, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1751
Captain Joseph to Boston in 1768

Joseph Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Moses Joseph, English convict from Warwick, who was transported aboard the “Albion” on September 11, 1826, settling in New South Wales, Australia
Louis Joseph, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “John Bartlett” in 1847
William Joseph, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Hooghly” in 1848

Joseph Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
Jacob Joseph, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Exporter
Moses Joseph, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
Hyam Joseph, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Exporter
Israel Joseph, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1843
Samuel Joseph, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1843

Mottoes
Fratres habitent inter se concordes. (Ps. cxxxiii.) Let brethren dwell together in unity.
Virtuti pro patria. For valour in behalf of our country.

Grantees
JOSEPH, Hyman A., of Rutland House, Highbury, London, 1885,” Vol. LXIII, fol.’ 37.
JOSEPH, Thomas, of Botrills, Merthyr Dovan, co. Glamorgan, Wales, 1886, Vol. LXIII, fol. 173.
JOSEPH-WATKIN, Thomas Morgan, [Portcullis] Pursuivant of Arms [1894. Roy. Lie, surname Watkin, 1894].

Notables
Aaron Joseph (born 1989), Australian footballer
Alzarri Joseph (born 1996), Antiguan cricketer
Anton Joseph (1923-2009), American Minnesota politician
Betty Joseph (1917–2013), British psychoanalyst
Bill Joseph, American Republican politician, Candidate for Montana State House of Representatives 42nd District, 2010
Bradley Joseph (born 1965), American composer, pianist, recording artist
Carol Sadler Joseph, American Democrat politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Nebraska, 1996
Charles Joseph, American Democrat politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Kansas, 1960
Charles Joseph, American Democrat politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Kings County 16th District, 1916; Defeated, 1919
Cory Joseph (born 1991), Canadian basketball player
Curtis Joseph (born 1967), Canadian ice hockey player
Daniel D. Joseph (1929–2011), American mechanical engineer
Dave Joseph (born 1969), Antiguan cricketer
Elinor Joseph (born 1991), Israeli soldier
Ezechiel Joseph, Saint Lucian politician
Garth Joseph (born 1973), Dominican basketball player
Guy Joseph (born 1957), Saint Lucian politician
Irving J. Joseph (c.1881–1943), New York politician
Jackie Joseph (b. 1934), American comedy actress, remembered for her role in the original ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
Jacqueline Nesti Joseph, (born 1932), Haitian artist
Jane Joseph (1894–1929), English composer
Jane Joseph (cricketer), Trinidadian cricketer
Janine Joseph, a Filipino-American poet and author
Jenny Joseph (1932–2018), British poet
John Joseph, three-time Academy Award and seven time Golden Globe winning American film actor
Kareem Joseph (footballer born 1983), footballer from Trinidad and Tobago
Kareem Joseph (footballer born 1985), footballer from Grenada
Karl Joseph (born 1993), American football player
Kathie-Ann Joseph, American surgeon at Columbia University
Keith Joseph (1918–1994), British politician and architect of Thatcherism
Kris Joseph (born 1988), Canadian basketball player
Lesley Joseph (born 1946), British actress
Linval Joseph (born 1988), American football player
MaChelle Joseph (born 1970), women’s basketball coach
Marc Joseph (born 1976), English footballer
Marie Joseph Demers (1871–1940), Canadian politician
Mathai Joseph, Indian computer scientist
Miles Joseph (born 1974), American soccer player
Mookencheril Cherian Joseph (1887–1981), Indian rationalist
Nafisa Joseph (1978–2004), Indian model and MTV video jockey
Peterson Joseph (born 1990), Haitian footballer
Quinton Joseph (b. 1946), American rhythm and blues artist
Ronald Joseph (born 1944), American figure skater
Roy Joseph (1909–1979), Trinidad and Tobago politician
Salvatore Joseph, American jazz pianist and composer
Sebastian Joseph (born 1995), American football player
Shalrie Joseph (born 1978), Grenadian footballer
Surelee Joseph (born 1986), Indian television actress and model
Sylvester Joseph (born 1978), Antiguan cricketer
Tam Joseph (born 1947), British painter originally from Dominica
Thomas Joseph, American lawyer and politician, who served in Vietnam War 1969-1970, was Governor of Pennsylvania 1995-2001, and the 1st Secretary of Homeland Security 2003
Tyler Joseph (born 1988), American musician and lead singer of Twenty One Pilots
Vivian Joseph (born 1948), American figure skater
Waldren Joseph (1918–2004), American jazz trombone player
Will Joseph, (1877–1959) Welsh rugby union player
Yvon Joseph (born 1957), Haitian basketball player

American Revolution Veterans
Aaron Joseph, Massachusetts, Rank of Private
Christian Joseph, New York, Rank of Sergeant
Ebenezer Joseph, New York Rank of Private
John Joseph, New Hampshire, Rank of Private
Joshua Joseph, Rhode Island, Rank of Private
Peter Joseph, New York, Rank of Inlis
Reuben Joseph, New York, Rank of Private
Robertson Joseph, Virginia, Rank of Sergeant
William Joseph, Virginia, Rank of Sergeant

Civil War Veterans
Aaron Joseph, 9th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Confederate, Georgia
Adam Joseph, 80th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Andre Joseph, 5th Regiment, Missouri Infantry (3 months, 1861), Union, Missouri
Baptist Joseph, 96th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Bazile Joseph, 1st Regiment, Native Guards, Louisiana Militia, Confederate, Louisiana
Burton Joseph, 101st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, Union, Pennsylvania
Caldier Joseph, 96th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Charles Joseph, 9th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, Union, Ohio
Cuhl Joseph, 10th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (1st Cavalry Regiment, Wise Legion), Confederate, Virginia
Dagworthy D. Joseph, 3rd Regiment, Delaware Infantry, Union, Delaware
Duvant Joseph, 59th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry, Union, Massachusetts
Edmond Joseph, 86th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Eli Joseph, 37th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry, Confederate, Arkansas
Evan Joseph, 187th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, Union, Ohio
Ferdinand Joseph, 2nd Regiment, Texas Cavalry, Union, Texas
Francis Joseph, Tucker’s Regiment, Confederate Infantry, Confederate, Confederate Troops
Frederick Joseph, 29th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Gabriel Joseph, 74th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
George Joseph, 39th Regiment, Kentucky Infantry, Union, Kentucky
Gustavus Joseph, 106th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, Union, Pennsylvania
Harmon M. Joseph, 21st Regiment, Mississippi Infantry, Confederate,     Mississippi
Henry Joseph, 88th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry (Old Organization), Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Hezekiah Joseph, 3rd Regiment, Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade, Union, Maryland
Isaac N. Joseph, 31st Regiment, Ohio Infantry, Union, Ohio
Isidor Joseph, 3rd Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Louisiana Militia, Confederate, Louisiana
Jack Joseph, 96th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Jean Baptiste Joseph, 6th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry (Colored), Union, Louisiana
John C. Joseph, 7th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (Ashby’s), Confederate, Virginia
Julius Joseph, 7th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry (Colored), Union, Louisiana
Kabert Joseph, 2nd Regiment, Indian Home Guards, Kansas Infantry,     Union, Kansas
Keeling Joseph, 75th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Latour Joseph, 6th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry (Colored), Union, Louisiana
Lewis Joseph, 97th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union,     U.S. Colored Troops
Lionel Joseph, 72nd Regiment, New York Infantry, Union, New York
Louis Joseph, LaFourche Regiment, Louisiana Militia, Confederate, Louisiana
Marcelin Joseph, 82nd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Marie Joseph, 1st Regiment, Louisiana Heavy Artillery (Regulars), Confederate, Louisiana
Michel Joseph, 74th Regiment, New York Infantry, Union, New York
Moses Joseph, 58th Regiment, Virginia Militia, Confederate, Virginia
Nathan Joseph, 4th Regiment, West Virginia Cavalry, Union, West Virginia
Nichols Joseph, 76th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Noah Joseph, 1st Regiment, Delaware Infantry, Union, Delaware
Oliver Joseph, 3rd Regiment, Iowa Cavalry, Union, Iowa
Oscar Joseph, 73rd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Peter Joseph, 7th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry (Colored), Union, Louisiana
Philip Joseph, 29th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, Confederate, Virginia
Prosper Joseph, 96th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Reason Joseph, 64th Regiment, Virginia Mounted Infantry, Confederate, Virginia
Robert Joseph, 74th Regiment, New York Infantry, Union, New York
Robert Joseph, 81st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union,     U.S. Colored Troops
Silas I. Joseph, 6th Regiment, Delaware Infantry, Union, Delaware
Squire Joseph, 109th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Strother Joseph, 7th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (Ashby’s), Confederate, Virginia
Tanjan Baron Joseph, 6th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry (Colored), Union, Louisiana
Theodore W. Joseph, 9th Regiment, Delaware Infantry, Union, Delaware
Thomas H. Joseph, Cass County Home Guard, Missouri Cavalry, Union, Missouri
Uriel Joseph, 42nd Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry (100 days, 1864) (Militia), Union, Massachusetts
Vael Joseph, 81st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Victor Joseph, 82nd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
William Joseph, 139th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, Union, Pennsylvania
Wilson B Joseph, 1st Regiment, Virginia Infantry (Williams Rifles), Confederate, Virginia
Wm. Joseph, 10th Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Zachariah Joseph, 9th Regiment, Delaware Infantry, Union, Delaware
Zennon Joseph, 73rd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (Joseph Joseph, F.S.A. and J.P., co. Brecon). Per chev. az. and vert, in chief three garbs, and in base two chevronels or. Crest—A garb or. Motto—Cas ni charo y wlad a’i mago.