The first name Joss

In 2025, 16 boys were named Joss, making it the 1,613th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1996, with 41 births (#458).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Joss with other names.

In 2025, 8 boys born in the United States were named Joss, the 9,283rd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2020, when 27 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Joss Whedon
  American director, screenwriter, and producer (born 1964)
• Joss Stone
  English singer, songwriter, and actress (born 1987)
• Joss Ackland
  English actor (1928–2023)
• Joss Christensen
  American freestyle skier, Olympian, born 1991
• Joss Fritz
  German insurgent (1470-1525)

What does the name Joss mean?

Verb usage evolved from the name of Joss Whedon, creator of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly.

How popular is the name Joss?

In 2025, 16 boys born in England and Wales were named Joss, ranking 1,613th. Its peak was 1996, with 41 births.

Is Joss a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 691 US babies named Joss since 1880, 37% were girls and 63% boys.

When was Joss most popular?

2020 in the United States, when 27 babies were named Joss, its highest rank at 3,864th.

Is Joss also a surname?

Yes. Joss is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.