Surname Jooss - Meaning and Origin
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Jooss: What does the surname Jooss mean?
The surname Jooss is of German origin and can be found mainly in the southeastern part of the country. The name is derived from the Middle High German ‘joso', which means ‘proud’ or ‘dignified’. It is likely that the original bearers of the name came from either a noble or distinguished background, as the name is associated with honor and respect.
The name Jooss can also be traced back to the Old Germanic ‘jod’, which means ‘jaunt’ or ‘joyous spirit’. This etymology implies that the first Joosses were a lively and cheerful group of people, which would explain why the name is still seen widely today.
Many prominent figures have born the name Jooss, including German sculptor and painter Bernhard Jooss and author Christoph Jooss. Bernhard Jooss was known for his sculptures, which focused on the stark reality of war, while Christoph Jooss has written extensively on the subject of German rugby.
Though the exact origin of the name Jooss is unknown, its legacy can still be seen in present day. From warriors of old, to renowned writers and artists, the Jooss surname can be traced to a long and proud lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisJooss: Where does the name Jooss come from?
The last name Jooss is mostly common in Germany and Austria today. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yoel and its German variants Joel and Johel.
The earliest record of this surname dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, when Johannes de Yoel was in attendance at a court in Palatinate, Germany. The earliest written record of the name Jooss dates back to 1619 in Oberhessen, Germany.
In the 19th century, many people bearing this surname emigrated to America, mainly from Austria and Germany. However, those who remained in Europe mainly stayed in Germany and Austria.
Today, Jooss is a very common surname in Germany, ranking at number 5,022 in Germany's list of top surnames. In Austria, the surname is similarly common, ranking at 2,484.
So if you meet someone with the Jooss surname, it's highly likely that they are either from Germany or Austria, or one of their descendants.
Variations of the surname Jooss
The surname Jooss is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German jôz ("jaw"). Some variants of this surname include: Joost, Jost, Joos, Joss, and Jouß. Other forms and spellings of the same origin, from various dialects, also exist. These include Jauß, Joessen, Joas, Joasch, Jöß, Juse, Joosse, Joese, Joess, Jouse, Joes, Joës, Yoost, Jos, Jooste, Joste, Juss, Joosten, and Jussen.
The name Jooss was mainly found in the Rheinland-Pfalz region, especially the Thuringerland area despite its origins being thought to be from the Palatinate region. It is also found in Hamburg, Dresden, and Schleswig-Holstein.
Jooss may also be a variation of the surname Joss which is of Swiss origin and derived from the Greek given name Ios or the Huguenot name Jou.
Variant surnames related to Joss or Jooss can be found throughout Europe. In Norway, Jussen is a variant of Joss, while in Spain Jose is sometimes spelled Jooss. In France, Jussieux, Jussieu, and Jousseaume are all related forms of the name. In Italy, Iossa and Giuosso are surnames, thought to have been derived from Jooss, while in England, Josses, Joustson and Joosten are popular alternatives.
Ultimately, the surname Jooss is widespread, and its variants can be found across the continent.
Famous people with the name Jooss
- Kurt Jooss: German choreographer and dance theorist (1902-1979)
- Sigurd Jooss: German dancer and choreographer (1872-1940)
- Vera Jooss: German dancer and choreographer (1907-1997)
- Lucinda Jooss: German soprano (b. 1943)
- Eric Jooss: German cartographer (1924-2008)
- Fritz Jooss: German painter (1898-1967)
- Emmy Jooss: German stage actress (1873-1960)
- Mary Jooss: German figure skater (1905-1987)
- Melitta Jooss: German film actress (1901-1970)
- Max Jooss: German theater director (1895-1973)
- Therese Jooss: German actress (1898-1936)
- Edmund Jooss: German scientist (1901-1978)
- Ludwig Jooss: German painter (1845-1917)
- Lene Jooss: German graphic artist (1915-2008)
- Wladimir Jooss: German historian (1913-1993)
- August Jooss: German actor (1880-1960)