Gioseffo

Gioseffo is an Italian masculine given name, an archaic variant of the more common Giuseppe. The form reflects historical Italian orthography and reflects the name’s roots in the biblical Joseph.

Etymology and usage: The name derives from the Hebrew Yosef, via Latin Iosephus, and subsequently into Italian through forms such as Giuseppe. Gioseffo appears in early modern Italian texts and occasionally in historical records, often in regions with conservative naming practices or among clerical families. Over time, Giuseppe became the standard Italian form, and Gioseffo is now largely encountered only in genealogical sources, old inscriptions, or literary uses.

Geographic and historical context: Gioseffo was more likely to be found in Renaissance and Baroque periods, when various spellings and diminutives circulated more freely. In contemporary Italy, the spelling Gioseffo is seldom used in new births, with Giuseppe remaining the predominant form. The name’s usage today is primarily of historical or genealogical interest and may appear in archival documents, period fiction, or genealogical reconstructions.

Notable bearers: The spelling Gioseffo does not have a widely documented set of notable contemporary figures. When encountered, individuals named Gioseffo typically appear in historical records, antiquarian references, or literature rather than in modern public life.

See also: Giuseppe, Joseph (various forms in other languages), Iosephus.