Meaning: Its source is Yosef, a Hebrew name meaning "The Lord's addition (to the family)."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Portuguese, Spanish, Scandinavian and Czech.

Narrative: Joseph of the Jewish scriptures was the youngest son of Jacob, and wearer of what a modern stage version of his story calls the ''technicolor dream coat.'' Sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, he used his prophetic and administrative powers to achieve a position in which he ruled the country in Pharaoh's name. When his brothers sought help from Egypt during a famine, Joseph answered their treachery with forgiveness.

Christians also use this name in honor of another Joseph, foster-father of Jesus. The Bible relates little about him besides his carpenter's trade, his faith in God's messages, and his care for his child and his wife, Mary. He is a revered symbol of trusting patience and vigilant protection.

Meaning: Its source is Yosef, a Hebrew name meaning "The Lord's addition (to the family)."

Languages: This girl's name is used in Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.

Non-English Forms: Jozsefa

Popularity: The name Josefa ranked 899th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Narrative: The Latin-influenced Josephina has never been as popular as Josephine, which originated as a French nickname.

The Empress Joséphine of France (1763-1814) was born Marie Josèphe. For her, there was irony in the meaning of the name.

Joséphine married General Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796, perhaps gambling that his was a rising star. She could not have anticipated he would become emperor and she would preside over his court.

In 1809, to Joséphine's shock, the emperor had their marriage annulled on a technicality, partly because of her failure to produce an heir. Though he married an Austrian princess for purposes of state, some say he never stopped loving his first wife. Defeated, exiled and dying, his last words were reported as ''Joséphine, Joséphine!''