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What the names Jesus, Mary, and Joseph mean

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Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik - published on 12/26/21
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For this feast of the Holy Family, the first Sunday after Christmas, we consider the most famous names in the world.

On the first Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is helpful to learn the meaning of these three names which are the most famous in the world. The Gospel for Sunday is Luke 2:41–52 .

1. Origins

Jesus 

In Hebrew, Yeshua is short for the name Jehoshua. It is one of the so-called theophoric names, in other words, it contains the name of God. The name is composed of two words. The first part of the name: â€śJeho” comes from Yahweh, and the second â€śshua” is derived from the verb save. Thus, the name Jesus literally means â€śYahweh is salvation” or â€śYahweh saves.” 

This is indeed the meaning of the name Jesus indicated in the Gospels. The angel told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son â€śand you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sin” (Matthew 1:21). 

Mary 

There are many hypotheses about the meaning of the name Mary. A very convincing one speaks about the Egyptian-Jewish origin of the name. It was given to girls who were born to elderly parents. This name has two parts, the Egyptian â€śMar” means beloved/loving and the Jewish abbreviation for â€śja” from the name Yahweh, meaning â€śloving God” or â€śbeloved by God.” 

Joseph 

Joseph, or the Hebrew Yosef, is a biblical name. It has the word God in its meaning: it is composed of Jo (shortened from Jeho, Yahweh â€śGod”) and the verb jasaf “to appropriate.” Thus, it means â€śmay God multiply—thoughtfully—the good.” 

Genesis’ story of Joseph in Egypt is also related to Joseph, Mary’s spouse. Doctors of the Church and popes have said that precisely Joseph of Egypt is Joseph of Nazareth’s prototype. Joseph of Nazareth is the guardian of God the Father’s most precious treasures: Jesus and His mother. 

2. The importance of a name

In Jewish tradition, a name is very important. It is supposed to express a person’s special traits, and even his or her mission in life. Bestowing a name is treated like a prayer that the one who bears that name will fulfill the message contained in it. 

3. Today

Do I know the meaning of my name? Do I know why I was given this name? What qualities in my name would I like to fulfill in my life? 

Today, I will ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to help me live beautifully and according to the Gospel. 

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