Iosif

Iosif is a masculine given name used in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and other parts of Eastern Europe. It is the Romanian form of Joseph, cognate with Polish Józef and German Josef. The name derives from Hebrew Yosef, meaning “God will increase” or “God adds.”

In Christian tradition, Saint Joseph is also known as Iosif in Romanian and other languages; he is the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. The name has been common in Orthodox and Catholic communities across Eastern Europe, reflecting the religious and cultural heritage of the region.

Today, Iosif remains a relatively common given name in Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria. The form appears in historical records and contemporary naming, and it has variants in different languages, including Iosef and Józef.