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Baby names

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Original poster

Curious why Joseph is decidedly unaristocratic

61 replies

janiejones5446 · 08/08/2020 01:21

We have pretty much decided on the name Joseph for our upcoming baby. And not that it's a bad thing (in fact, I like it), but on inspection, it seems that not a single current or presumptive duke, marquess, or earl has this name, which surprises me given its status as one of the enduring classics. Just curious as to why this is, and perhaps if anyone has any insights on this name and it's social history in general.

Again, we've pretty much settled on the name, so this is more out of curiosity than anything. TIA.

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ArnoldBee · 08/08/2020 02:46

And he was a carpenter....manual work and all that!

lakesidesummer · 08/08/2020 02:46

I would think it is because it is a catholic name.

TheKarenWhoKnocks · 08/08/2020 02:39

Catholic and Jewish.

Arabic if you go back far enough but then lots are. But you've got the double whammy above on top of that.

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/08/2020 02:32

Because it's Catholic.

Mothership4two · 08/08/2020 02:28

Think Tavannach is on to something. Aristocratic names are or were probably traditional (ie family names) and Protestant type names especially in England. Catholic names tended to be saints names or from the Bible. Although there are many cross overs

Original poster
janiejones5446 · 08/08/2020 02:24

@Alongcameacat

Surely there are more names that have never been used in the RF than have been used. They also tend to keep to previously selected names which narrows it further. I would never associate the name Joseph with aristocracy. It has a similar feel to the name Paul. Out of interest why did you research if the RF have used it or not?
My partner thinks our other contender (Hugh) is too aristo, so I said, well surely there is an Aristo Joe or two as well! Turns out, maybe not!
OP posts:
Alongcameacat · 08/08/2020 01:41

Surely there are more names that have never been used in the RF than have been used. They also tend to keep to previously selected names which narrows it further.
I would never associate the name Joseph with aristocracy. It has a similar feel to the name Paul.
Out of interest why did you research if the RF have used it or not?

Tavannach · 08/08/2020 01:36

Traditionally seen as a Catholic name?

tankflybos · 08/08/2020 01:34

Lovely name.

worstwitch18 · 08/08/2020 01:33

P.S. I really like the name Joseph and its nicknames.

worstwitch18 · 08/08/2020 01:32

I don't have any answers but it's a curious phenomenon.

Some biblical names have become classics across society whereas others haven't. John and Mary, for example, were ubiquitous from Kings and Queens to everyday people. David and James seem to have broader cross coverage than Matthew or Luke.

But many aristocrats also use traditional English names that are not biblical (e.g. Henry, Charles). So there are not many biblical names on the current muster to begin with.

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