Jocelyn

What does the baby name Jocelyn mean? Learn about what Jocelyn means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Jocelyn - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Jocelyn
J-O-C-E-L-Y-N, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Jocelyn
JAHS-ə-lin
JOS eh lin
Meaning of Jocelyn
Joyous, little goth, german tribal person, supplanter, substitute.
Origin of Jocelyn
The name 'Jocelyn' has English origins and can be traced back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old Breton name 'Joscelin', which was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. 'Joscelin' itself is believed to have originated from the Germanic name 'Gautselin', composed of the elements 'gaut', meaning 'Goth' or 'Geat', and 'sel', meaning 'castle' or 'hall'.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Jocelyn
Joceline
Justine
Popularity of Jocelyn
The name 'Jocelyn' has experienced fluctuating popularity over the years. In the United States, it gained notable popularity in the mid-20th century and reached its peak in the 1980s. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined but has remained relatively stable. In recent years, 'Jocelyn' has consistently ranked within the top 200 names for girls in the United States.
Jocelyn currently has 608 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Imogen is slightly more popular than Jocelyn.

Etymology of Jocelyn

As mentioned earlier, the name 'Jocelyn' is derived from the Old Breton name 'Joscelin', which has Germanic origins. The elements 'gaut' and 'sel' in 'Joscelin' evolved into 'Jocelyn' over time. The meaning of 'Jocelyn' is often interpreted as 'a member of the Gauts' or 'one who dwells in the Gauts' hall. '

Cultural Significance of Jocelyn

While 'Jocelyn' does not hold specific cultural or historical significance, it has become a popular name choice in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, femininity, and elegance. The name has been embraced by various cultures and communities, and its significance lies in the personal connections and meanings that individuals attach to it.