Joss

Joss: name meaning, origin and popularity

Unisex name

Meaning and origin of Joss

  • A unisex given name
  • A diminutive of the female given name Jocelyn.
  • A diminutive of the male given name Joseph.

Etymology

Verb usage evolved from the name of Joss Whedon, creator of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly.

How popular is Joss?

13U.S. babies in 2025
#3864peak rank (2020)
691babies since 1880

Since 1880, 255 girls and 436 boys in the U.S. have been named Joss (37% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6337 in 2015. Its highest rank for boys was #3864 in 2020. In 2025, 13 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

1880192019602000202541 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Joss

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

Sibling name ideas for Joss

Names that peaked around the same time as Joss and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Joss FAQ

What does the name Joss mean?

A unisex given name A diminutive of the female given name Jocelyn. A diminutive of the male given name Joseph. Verb usage evolved from the name of Joss Whedon, creator of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly.

How popular is the name Joss?

Since 1880, 255 girls and 436 boys in the U.S. have been named Joss (37% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6337 in 2015. Its highest rank for boys was #3864 in 2020. In 2025, 13 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

Is Joss a boy or girl name?

Joss is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (255 girls and 436 boys since 1880).

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.