When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Joaquin Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

Updated
Learn about the name Joaquin including the meaning, gender, origin, popularity, and more.

Joaquin Overview

  • Meaning: Joaquin means “God will judge” when translated into Spanish. When Joaquin is translated into Hebrew, it means “lifted by Yahweh.”
  • Gender: Joaquin is traditionally a male’s name.
  • Origin: Joaquin originates from Joachim, a name from the Bible. It is considered a more proper version of Jose or Juan in the Spanish language. In a religious sense, Joaquin is also considered a saint and the father of the virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
  • Pronunciation: Joaquin is pronounced “wah-KEEN.”
  • Popularity: The name is mildly popular in the United States but extremely popular in South America, especially in Argentina and Chile.
  • Nicknames: Johdy, Joaquina, Jodh, Jojo, Joshnika, Kimi, Jean, and Yahweh.
  • Variations: Jabin, Jachin, Jacqin, Jaelin, Jaidin, Jailin, Jalin, Jamin, Jaquan, Jaques, Jarin, Jarrin, Jasin, Jasun, Jaylin, Jeavin, Jordain, Joslin, Josslin, Jovin and Tarquin.
  • Namesakes: Joaquin Phoenix, actor.

What Does Joaquin Mean?

Joaquin is a commonly mispronounced name with rich Biblical history. Traditionally, it is a male’s name and finds its origin in the Hebrew name Joachim. Joachim translates to “lifted by Yahweh” (1). Yahweh is a form of the Hebrew name of God used in the Bible.

Jehoiakim (which initially was Elijakim) was a king of Judah in the Old Testament in the Bible. His son was named Joachim. That is a variant form of Jehoiachin, which comes from the Hebrew name “Yehoyaqim.” They have the same meaning. Joaquin itself is of Spanish origin and translates into English as “God will judge.”

What is the Origin of the Name Joaquin?

Joaquin is the Spanish version of Joachim, a name from the Bible. It is considered a more proper version of the names Jose or Juan. In a religious sense, Joaquin is also considered a saint and the father of the virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.

Saint Joachim is considered the “forebearer of God” because he is the grandfather of Jesus. San Joaquin is the Spanish equivalent of Saint Joachim.

How Popular is the Name Joaquin?

The name Joaquin is not popular in most countries. However, it is prevalent in South America, especially in the countries of Argentina and Chile. It is somewhat popular in Spain.

In 2020, Joaquin ranked 306th in the United States for popularity. Two years later, it grew a little in popularity and hit 257. However, it will likely drop over the next several years.

Before the 1900s, the name saw little recognition in the United States. During the 1970s, the name saw a spike in popularity. The name was on an upward trajectory until 2011 when it took a dip. As of 2018, the name hadn’t reached the 600 mark but was around 516 babies per million.

How Do I Pronounce Joaquin?

Joaquin is pronounced “wah-KEEN.” It’s not “whacking” or any other variation. It’s “wah-KEEN” with an emphasis on the last syllable.

Is Joaquin a Boy or Girl Name?

Joaquin is traditionally a male name. However, some variations or other similar names could be used for females.

Variations of Joaquin

There are myriad variations of the name Joaquin. It has evolved and changed over thousands of years. The most popular variation is Quin.

Other variations of Joaquin include:

  • Jabin
  • Jachin
  • Jack
  • Jacqin
  • Jaelin
  • Jaidin
  • Jailin
  • Jalin
  • Jamin
  • Jaquan
  • Jaques
  • Jarin
  • Jarrin
  • Jasin
  • Jasun
  • Jaylin
  • Jeavin
  • Jordain
  • Joslin
  • Josslin
  • Jovin
  • Tarquin

However, none of these names are as popular as the original form of Joaquin. The variations show up less frequently.

Nicknames for Joaquin

Finding a great nickname can be tricky. The word “nickname” comes from the Old English “æccennāmic,” meaning, literally, “add name.”

Some nicknames for Joaquin include:

  • Jayden
  • Jean
  • Joaquina
  • Jodh
  • Joell
  • Johdy
  • Jojo
  • Joshnika
  • Kimi

Even though just a few are named here, there are still dozens, if not hundreds, of nicknames for the name Joaquin.

Similar Names to Joaquin

There are a few names that are similar to Joaquin. A group of users, who were looking for names like Joaquin, selected the following names:

Middle Names for Joaquin

If you want to name your child Joaquin, but aren’t quite sure what to use for their middle name, here are some options:

  • Chayo
  • Consuelo
  • Dante
  • Daunte
  • Eugenio
  • Florentino
  • Jorje
  • Manolo
  • Tyno

Sibling Names for Joaquin

If your child’s name is Joaquin and you want to find a name for his sibling, there are plenty of names that go well!

For a brother:

  • Francisco
  • Jose
  • Juan
  • Luis
  • Manuel
  • Santiago

For a sister:

Famous People Named Joaquin

The name Joaquin is probably most familiar to people by way of Joaquin Phoenix, who starred in “Joker,” “Her,” and “Gladiator.” The name also got a lot of recognition after talk show host Kelly Ripa named her son Joaquin. Other famous Joaquins include:

  • Joaquin Balaguer: Held three non-consecutive terms as President of the Dominican Republic.
  • Joaquin Rodrigo: Composer and pianist.
  • Joaquin Sabina: Poet, songwriter, and singer.
  • Joaquin Sanchez: Football player (American soccer).

Joaquin in Popular Culture

Joaquin is an uncommon name to find among popular culture. Here are a few notable fictional Joaquins:

  • Commander Joaquin: “Mobile Suit Gundam.”
  • Joaquin: One of Khan Noonien Singh’s fellow Augments. He appears in “Star Trek: TOS, Ep. Space Seed”, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” and as a playable character in “Star Trek Fleet Command.” Another of Khan’s Augments is named Joachim.
  • Joaquin: Brother to Alejandro in “The Mask of Zorro.”
  • Joaquin D’Oro: Character in “Tales of Monkey Island.”
  • Joaquin Zenos: Playable character in “Final Fantasy XIV: The Lodestone.”
Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?