Jef

Jef is a masculine given name that is most commonly found in Dutch-speaking regions, particularly in the Netherlands and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium). It functions primarily as a diminutive or pet form of Jozef or Josef, the Dutch and Flemish variants of Joseph. In everyday use, Jef can be both a nickname and a standalone given name.

Etymology and usage. The name Jozef/Jozef is derived from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning “God will increase” or “God will add.” Jef as a short form emerged in Dutch-speaking cultures as a familiar, informal version of those longer forms. While it remains most prevalent in Belgium and the Netherlands, it is occasionally encountered among people with Dutch or Flemish heritage in other countries.

Cultural and contemporary context. Historically, Jef has been associated with a traditional, down-to-earth impression in Dutch-language communities. Naming trends have shifted over time, and while Jef is still used, it is less common among younger generations who favor newer or longer given names. In broader contexts, the name appears in biographical references and in fiction where Dutch or Belgian characters are meant to reflect a recognizable, culturally specific name.

Variants and related names. Related names include Jozef/Jozef (the full given form in Dutch), Joseph/Josef in other languages, and other diminutives of Joseph used in different cultures. The choice of Jef often signals cultural or familial ties to Dutch-speaking regions.

Notable individuals. A range of people with the given name Jef have been active in fields such as the arts, business, and sports, reflecting its historical popularity in Dutch-speaking communities.