Jocelyn

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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 male given name.
Pronunciation of Jocelyn
JAHS-ə-lin
JOS eh lin
Meaning of Jocelyn
Joyous, little goth, german tribal person.
Origin of Jocelyn
The name 'Jocelyn' has origins in both French and Germanic languages. In French, it is derived from the name 'Joscelin', which was a medieval form of the Germanic name 'Gauzlin'. The Germanic name 'Gauzlin' was composed of the elements 'gaut', meaning 'Goth' or 'Geat', and 'slind', meaning 'gentle' or 'soft'. Therefore, the name 'Jocelyn' can be interpreted as 'gentle Goth' or 'soft Geat'.
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Popularity of Jocelyn
The popularity of the name 'Jocelyn' has experienced fluctuations over the years. In the early 20th century, it was relatively uncommon, with only sporadic instances of its usage. However, as time progressed, the name gained popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries.

In recent decades, 'Jocelyn' has become more prevalent as a given name for girls. It has ranked within the top 500 names for girls in the United States since the 1970s. However, it is important to note that 'Jocelyn' can also be used as a masculine name, although less commonly.
Jocelyn currently has 1 like, and is in the top 14% of liked boy's names. The name Dakarai is slightly more popular than Jocelyn.

Etymology of Jocelyn

As mentioned earlier, the name 'Jocelyn' has its roots in the Germanic name 'Gauzlin'. The element 'gaut' or 'gau' refers to the Goths or Geats, ancient Germanic tribes. The element 'slind' denotes qualities such as gentleness or softness.

Cultural Significance of Jocelyn

The name 'Jocelyn' does not hold significant cultural or historical connotations. It is primarily a personal name chosen by parents for their child based on its sound, meaning, or personal preference.