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Name Day

Name Day for Yosif / Joseph

Everything about the date, name variants, and traditions

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December

Name day for Yosif, David - St. Joseph and King David.

Celebrating names:

ЙосифДавидДавидкаЙосифка
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About the name Yosif / Joseph

Etymology & meaning

Yosif comes from the Hebrew Yosef — "God shall add, shall increase". The name of two of the Bible's most beloved righteous men — Joseph the Fair of the Old Testament and Joseph the Betrothed of the New.

History & patron saint

The name day falls in the after-Christmas cycle (26 December), when the church honours Saint Joseph the Betrothed — the righteous elder who protected the Virgin and Child, led them to Egypt and raised Christ as an earthly father. For Bulgarians the name also carries Exarch Yosif I, builder of Bulgarian church independence.

Traditions & customs

The feast sits amid the Christmas days — the table extends the Nativity one, with roast and wine, and visits run house to house. Celebrants treat guests "that the house be full", after the name's meaning.

Popularity & notable bearers

Yosif is an old name in unbroken use, commoner in clerical and guild families; the short Yosko is colloquial, and the surname Yosifov occurs across the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the name day for Yosif / Joseph?

The name day for Yosif / Joseph is on 26 December.

Which names celebrate on 26 December?

On 26 December, name day is celebrated by those named Yosif / Joseph and related Bulgarian name variants (4 names in total).

How is the name day celebrated in Bulgaria?

Name day celebrants traditionally welcome guests at home, receive gifts and congratulations. It is a cherished family occasion throughout Bulgaria.

What does the name Yosif / Joseph mean?

Yosif comes from the Hebrew Yosef — "God shall add, shall increase". The name of two of the Bible's most beloved righteous men — Joseph the Fair of the Old Testament and Joseph the Betrothed of the New.

How popular is Yosif / Joseph in Bulgaria?

Yosif is an old name in unbroken use, commoner in clerical and guild families; the short Yosko is colloquial, and the surname Yosifov occurs across the country.

Names celebrating with Yosif / Joseph

David

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