Meaning: Its source is Yosef, a Hebrew name meaning "The Lord's addition (to the family)."

Nickname For: Joel and Joseph

Popularity: The name Joey ranked 496th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 307th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Joseph of the Jewish scriptures was the youngest son of Jacob, and wearer of what a modern stage version of his story calls the ''technicolor dream coat.'' Sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, he used his prophetic and administrative powers to achieve a position in which he ruled the country in Pharaoh's name. When his brothers sought help from Egypt during a famine, Joseph answered their treachery with forgiveness.

Christians also use this name in honor of another Joseph, foster-father of Jesus. The Bible relates little about him besides his carpenter's trade, his faith in God's messages, and his care for his child and his wife, Mary. He is a revered symbol of trusting patience and vigilant protection.

Nickname For: Joanna, Joanne, Joella, Johana and Josephine

Popularity: The name Joey ranked 1895th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.