National Jose Day

National José Day is dedicated to everyone named José and is celebrated on September 13. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), José remained one of the most popular names in the United States until 2011, when Jacob took its place. Nevertheless, many parents continue to choose the name José for their children, and countless notable individuals—ranging from football players to scientists and film actors—bear this name.

History

The exact origin of National José Day is unknown. The name José is the Spanish and Portuguese equivalent of the English name Joseph and is pronounced differently across languages. It also appears in French and can form part of compound female names, such as Marie-José. In England, José is sometimes found as a surname, particularly in Cornwall, with roots in Romano-Celtic culture.

Notable Facts

• The name José appears as both a first name and a surname in various languages, making it a cross-lingual homograph.
• The widespread use of the name José across different countries is a subject of interest in onomastics (the study of names).
• Famous people named José include film actor José Garcia, football player José Ignacio, and Cuban poet José Martí.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National José Day by congratulating friends, relatives, and acquaintances named José. Explore the origins and meanings of the name, and share interesting facts or stories about José on social media.

When is National José Day in 2025?

National José Day is observed on September 13 each year.

Observations