Jocelyn: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced JAH-suh-lin · 3 syllables
Jocelyn means “a Geat, a Goth”, from Germanic and English and French.
From the Middle English male given name from Old French Joscelin, German Gautzelin, diminutive of names beginning with the tribal name Gaut (“a Geat, a Goth”), the root form of which probably comes from Proto-Germanic *Gautalinthiz (from *gautaz + *linthaz); also used as a diminutive form of the Breton name Josse (= Joyce).
- Meaning
- a Geat, a Goth
- Origin
- Germanic, English, French
- Pronunciation
- JAH-suh-lin
- US rank (2025)
- #393
- US babies a year
- about 1,037 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2000
How popular is Jocelyn?
Jocelyn was the #393 name in the US in 2025, given to 788 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 71% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2000.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #393 |
| England & Wales | #853 |
| Scotland | #765 |
| Canada | #878 |
How old are people named Jocelyn?
Half of US adults named Jocelyn are older than 27; most are between 18 and 60. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Jocelyn
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Noemi
- Janelle
- Jaqueline
- Autumn
- Nicolette
- Mallory
- Noelle
- Brooke
- Anneliese
- Vanessa
- Simone
- Kyra
- Rayna
- Dalia
- Esmeralda
- Nadia
On these lists
Questions about Jocelyn
What does the name Jocelyn mean?
Jocelyn means “a Geat, a Goth”. It comes from Germanic and English and French.
How do you pronounce Jocelyn?
Jocelyn is pronounced JAH-suh-lin.
How popular is the name Jocelyn?
Jocelyn was the #393 name in the US in 2025, given to 788 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 71% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2000.
How old are people named Jocelyn?
Half of US adults named Jocelyn are older than 27. Most are between 18 and 60.