Joost

The male first name Joost, which is common in both Frisian and Dutch culture, has its roots in the Old French Josse and represents a variant of the name Jodokus. This name has Celtic and Breton origins.

What does the name Joost mean?

Joost is a male first name that originated from the Old French Josse and can thus be considered a variation of Jodokus. The name has Celtic and Breton roots. In the Celtic language, the word iud or jud meant 'the lord', 'the fight', or 'the war', which gives Joost the meaning 'the fighter', 'the warrior', or 'the lord'. Additionally, Joost is occasionally used as a pet form of Justus ('the just') or Josef ('he (God) adds'). The name gained popularity through the Breton saint Jodokus, who was venerated in the 9th century and founded a hermitage in St. Josse. A related form of the name is Joosten, while there are also other variants such as Iodocus, Iudocus, Jodocus, Jodok, Judocus, Judoc, Jost, Jobst, Joszt, Johst, Johs, Judochus, and Giosch.

Where does the name Joost come from?

The origin of the name Joost is Breton and Celtic, carrying the meaning 'the fighter'. It is derived from Jodokus, whose Celtic elements iud and jud mean 'the lord', 'the fight', or 'the war'. It also has connections to Justus, whose Latin root iūstus means 'just' or 'righteous', and to Josef, whose ancient Hebrew origins yehôsêph mean 'may he (God) add'. Joost is widespread in various languages such as Frisian, Dutch, and Netherlandic.

How do you pronounce Joost?

The pronunciation of Joost is clear and concise. The name is usually pronounced as 'Joost' [joːst], starting with a long O sound that is round and soft. The distinctive ending with the consonant cluster '-st' gives the name a pronounced note. Joost has a clear, Nordic aura due to its compact form and leaves a strong impression.

When is the name day of Joost?

The name day of Joost is celebrated on June 1, October 18, November 10, and December 13.

Popularity

In Germany, Joost is among the popular first names. The name currently ranks 810th in the list of the most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 2009, when it reached 557th place. In the last ten years, Joost has been registered as a first name about 500 times, placing it 870th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 846th.

Nicknames & pet names

Jobst / Joey / Jojo / Joocy / Joosti / Toasti / Toost

Similar first names

Famous people

• Jan Joost van Gangelen (Dutch TV presenter and sports journalist)
• Jodokus (Breton saint)
• Joost Adema (rower from the Netherlands)
• Joost Barbiers (stonemason from the Netherlands)
• Joost Berman (Dutch poet)
• Joost Broerse (Dutch footballer)
• Joost Buis (jazz musician from the Netherlands)
• Joost Bürgi (mathematician from Switzerland)
• Joost Cornelisz Droochsloot (Dutch painter)
• Joost Ebergen (football player from the Netherlands)
• Joost Flets-Frimel (Dutch version of the Hufflepuff student Justin Finch-Fletchley)
• Joost Hals (Belgian painter)
• Joost Klein (musician from Holland)
• Joost Lijbaart (jazz musician from the Netherlands)
• Joost Luiten (Dutch golfer)
• Joost Meerloo (Dutch physicist)
• Joost Posthuma (Dutch racing cyclist)
• Joost Schmidt (German typographer, painter, and teacher at the Bauhaus 1893-1948)
• Joost Schymkowitz (Belgian biologist)
• Joost Siedhoff (German actor, born 1926)