Discover people named Mary Josephson

The last name Josephson is of Jewish origin, specifically derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "God will add" or "God increases." This surname is patronymic, indicating "son of Joseph," and is commonly found among Ashkenazi Jews, particularly in Eastern Europe, where it first appeared. The name reflects a familial connection to an ancestor named Joseph, which was a popular name in biblical times, often associated with traits of leadership and prosperity, as seen in the biblical figure Joseph of Egypt. Variations of the surname can include Josephs, Josephsone, and even the Yiddish form Yoselson, with differences in spelling and pronunciation arising from the linguistic characteristics of the regions where Jewish communities settled. As Jewish migration patterns evolved, the name Josephson spread to various countries, including the United States, where it has been adopted by many families, maintaining its connection to heritage while adapting to new cultural contexts.