Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Joey
UnisexEnglish, Hebrew· “he will add; short for Joseph”
- Meaning
- he will add; short for Joseph
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JOH-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #877
- US babies 2025
- 274
- Best rank
- #194 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1962
Meaning and origin of Joey
Joey is an English and Hebrew name that means “he will add; short for Joseph”.
Joey is a pet form of Joseph, from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning he will add. It is also a nickname for Josephine, Johanna and other names, so it is used for both boys and girls. Joseph is a major figure in Genesis, sold into slavery by his brothers before rising in Egypt, and the husband of Mary in the Gospels. Joey has a playful, friendly sound and a touch of retro charm. In Australia joey is also the word for a baby kangaroo, which adds a sweet association. It works well with a longer formal name.
Popularity over time
Joey first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 87 different years, starting in 1939. Its best national rank was #194 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 1962, when 1,529 were named Joey. In 2025, 274 babies were named Joey, and it ranked #877 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,632 in 1920, #491 in 1950, #212 in 1980, #485 in 2000, #612 in 2010, and #877 in 2025. Of the 53,758 US boys named Joey since records began, 23% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 10,226 babies. Since 2010, 5,140 more have been named Joey.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Robbie and Jackie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Joey ranked highest in California, Utah, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #496 | 64 |
| Utah | #586 | 7 |
| Florida | #716 | 22 |
| Pennsylvania | #726 | 12 |
| Ohio | #729 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Joey is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 27% of US babies named Joey were girls and 73% were boys.
Joey is usually pronounced JOH-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with J and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Joey
A few middle names that flow with Joey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Joey
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Lists that include Joey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Joey mean?
Joey is an English and Hebrew name that means “he will add; short for Joseph”.
What is the origin of the name Joey?
Joey has English and Hebrew roots. Joey is a pet form of Joseph, from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning he will add.
Is Joey a popular name?
Yes. Joey ranked #877 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Joey a boy or girl name?
Joey is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 27% of US babies named Joey were girls and 73% were boys.
How do you pronounce Joey?
Joey is usually pronounced JOH-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings