Surname Joss - Meaning and Origin
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Revisiting My Ancestral Roots with iGENEA: Revealing the Hidden Stories of the Joss Lineage
Embarking on a journey to uncover familial roots, I took a DNA test at iGENEA focusing on my ancestors named Joss. The unexpected insights about their origins, potential migration, artistic and scientific lineage, drastically reconstructed my understanding of my ancestors and myself.
D. Joss
read moreJoss: What does the surname Joss mean?
The last name Joss is of Norse origin and has multiple meanings based on the part of the world it originated from. In Norway, the word "joss" translates to "gift," and many families with the surname likely derive their name from this source. In the Highlands of Scotland, "joss" can be translated to "jaw," most likely referring to someone who had a prominent jawline or an important position.
In some countries, the surname Joss is also thought to have derived from the Middle English "Josse" or the ancestor of the Germanic given name "Gaut," which is derived from the Old Norse "Gautr," meaning "God." Along with being an occupational name, Joss can also be used as a name of endearment or affection, similar to the Spanish use of the name "José."
The Joss family was first recorded in Norway in the 14th century. They later relocated to Britain and from there, the family surname spread all over the world. There were multiple branches and variations of the Joss name throughout history, including Josse, Jouse, and Jossy, and the name is still found in many European countries.
In modern times, the surname Joss is typically found in Scotland as well as England, the United States, and various nations in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Today, those with the last name Joss are thought to be independent, strong-minded, and highly creative individuals.
Order DNA origin analysisJoss: Where does the name Joss come from?
The last name Joss is most commonly found in Germany, France, and Switzerland. It can also be found throughout Europe, particularly in Southwestern and Eastern Europe, as well as in Russia and the Baltics. Joss is also a popular last name in parts of South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru amongst others.
In North America, the last name Joss is most frequently seen in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba. It can also be found, with less frequency, in other parts of the continent. Joss is also making inroads in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Joss surname is derived from the Germanic and French given names Joscelin and Jocelyn, which both mean “Gift of God”. It is thought that the early bearers of the Joss name may have arrived in Europe during the 11th century migration of Normans from France.
The Joss last name is most frequently associated with German, French, and Swiss ancestry. Most instances of the Joss name today can trace themselves to one of these three countries. Still, the name can be found in many other parts of the world, although with less frequency.
Variations of the surname Joss
The surname Joss is of English origin and has variant spellings such as Joice, Joce, Jocelyn, Jesus, Jos, Josslyn, and Joscelyn. These variant spellings can be found throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
The name Joss may also be of French origin, with the spelling as Jose or Josse, from the medieval Latin given name Iohannes. This spelling is more common in France, but can also be found in English and Scottish records.
In some parts of Scotland, Joss may be a diminutive form of the name Jordan. This spelling is thought to be derived from the medieval Greek name Jordanes, meaning 'descendant of Jor'.
In England during the 17th and 18th centuries, Joss was also used as a variant of the name Joyce, which is thought to derive from the Norman personal name Josce. This spelling may have also been a nickname for the name Joy or Jonathan.
It is also possible for the surname Joss to be of Jewish Ashkenazic origin, with the spelling as Yossef or Yossi. This variant is thought to derive from the given name Yosef, meaning 'God will increase'. This spelling is more commonly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Austria, Lithuania, and Russia.
Altogether, Joss is a well-known surname with many variant spellings and origins throughout Europe. It is most commonly of English and French origin, but can also be found as a diminutive form of Jordan, a variant of Joyce, and of Jewish Ashkenazic origin.
Famous people with the name Joss
- Joss Whedon: Joss Whedon is an American screenwriter, director, producer, comic book writer, and composer. He is best known for his work in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, and for directing the films The Avengers and its sequel, Age of Ultron.
- Joss Stone: Joss Stone is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame in 2003 with her breakthrough album, The Soul Sessions, which earned her a Brit Award and a Grammy. She has gone on to have many successful albums and tours, and is currently working on a reggae album.
- Joss Christensen: Joss Christensen is an American freeskier. He won the gold medal in Men’s Ski Slopestyle at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Already an experienced skier, Christensen’s success at the Olympics put him on the international stage.
- Josslyn Luckett: Josslyn Luckett is an American singer-songwriter. She has released four albums, including her latest, Lady Be Good, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2015. In addition to her solo work, Luckett has written and performed with numerous other artists, including India Arie, Maxwell, and The Isley Brothers.
- Joss Ackland: Joss Ackland is an English actor. He has appeared in over 100 different films, television shows, and theatrical performances since the 1950s. He is perhaps best known for his role as Captain Tupolev in the James Bond film The Living Daylights.