Last Name Jose

The surname "Jose" is a variant of the name Joseph, which has Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will increase." This name appears frequently in the Bible, particularly with respect to Jacob's sons, where Joseph is one of them. Over time, as families adopted patronymics (surnames based on the father's given name), the name "Joseph" evolved into various spellings and forms across different regions and cultures. The surname Jose is popular in Spanish-speaking countries and among people with Portuguese or Jewish heritage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jose

The meaning and origin of the last name Jose

The surname Jose is a common Spanish and Portuguese name, derived from the given name Josué (also spelled as Joshua), which has its origins in Hebrew. The name Josué is a combination of two Hebrew words: "Yahweh," meaning God, and "Yehoshua," meaning salvation or help. Thus, the original meaning of the name Jose can be interpreted as 'God is salvation' or 'helped by God.' The surname Jose has been widely distributed across Spain and Portugal due to historical events such as the Moorish invasions in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. Many Spanish and Portuguese families adopted Jewish-sounding names, including Jose, as a form of disguise or protection during this period. Today, the surname Jose is one of the most common surnames in Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jose

The last name Jose is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries due to its origins from the Hebrew name "Joshua," which was adopted by the early Christians in Spain. It is particularly common in Portugal, Mexico, and other Latin American countries like Cuba, Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. In Europe, it can also be found in southern regions of France and Italy, where Spanish influence has been significant historically. Moreover, it has been carried by immigrants to various parts of the world, particularly North America and Oceania, resulting in its presence in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name Jose is also used in other cultures, such as Vietnam, where it can be a variant of the traditional Vietnamese name Nguyen.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jose

The surname Jose, derived from the Hebrew name "Joshua," has various spellings and variations across different cultures and regions. Some common spelling variations include Josephy, Josheph, Josoph, Josias, Josiasz, Josiah, Josue, Joze, Josovich, Jozef, Joseff, Joszef, József, and Giuseppe. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name is commonly spelled as José or José, while in Portuguese-speaking regions it is known as José. It's also possible to find the surname with a double 's' (Josess) or a single accent mark over the final 'e' (José(ê)). Additionally, many individuals of this name may hyphenate or combine their first and last names, such as José-María, José Rafael, or Giuseppe Di. These variations highlight the widespread adoption and cultural diversity of the surname Jose across the world.

Famous people with the last name Jose

José Rizal (Philippines) is a globally recognized figure due to his significant role in the Philippine Revolution and as a national hero. A polymath, he was an author, poet, and illustrator whose most famous work, "Noli Me Tangere," is considered the Philippines' first novel. José Ortega y Gasset (Spain) was a philosopher, writer, and essayist who greatly influenced the Spanish-speaking world in the 20th century. His seminal works, such as "The Revolt of the Masses" and "Man and Crisis," have been widely translated and studied worldwide. José Leonardo de Carvalho e Melo (Portugal) was a military officer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Portugal four times between 1856 and 1890, playing a crucial role in the liberal reforms of the Tertuliano Braga government. José Gaspar Rodrigues de Moura Todos Santos (Brazil), more commonly known as José Bonifácio, was a key figure in Brazil's struggle for independence and served as the first president of the Imperial Academy of Letters. His works include the "Constituição Política da Confederação do Brasil," which played a significant role in establishing the political structure of early-19th century Brazil.

Genealogical research on the last name Jose

The surname Jose is a common Spanish and Portuguese name, derived from the Hebrew name "Joshua," meaning "God is salvation." Its earliest recorded usage can be traced back to biblical times with the figure Joshua, who served as Moses' assistant and later became the leader of the Israelites. The surname Jose first appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it was often adopted by Jewish converts or by those with Hebrew ancestry following the reconquista. It subsequently spread throughout Latin America due to colonization, with large populations of people bearing the name found in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The genealogical research on the surname Jose is vast, with numerous branches and lineages documented across the world. Some notable historical figures with the surname include Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil in 1500; Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution; and Filipino national hero Jose Rizal, a prominent advocate for Philippine independence. Today, the name Jose remains popular, with millions of bearers worldwide. Genealogical research on this surname can uncover a rich history of exploration, revolution, and nationalism, making it an exciting and rewarding pursuit for family historians.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jose"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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