The classical book of all modern-day halachah is the four parts of the Tur. The Tur quoted various opinions in his book and ruled accordingly. R. Yosef Karo saw that the reader needed to be acquainted with the background of the law as well as the other contemporary opinions that had developed, so he adjoined his book, the "Beis Yosef" to flank the sides of the Tur and accomplish just that.
Why did he call it by that name?
Simply, his name was Yosef. Indeed, he writes that this work is the product of his toil, and as such is his "house" in this world and the next.
Yet another reason he gives as to why he gave this name is the similarity of his book to the house of the original Yosef - Yosef Hatzadik in Egypt. Just as Yosef sustained everyone in the land from his house, so to anyone who seeks the basis and application of halacha will find it in this literary house.
הקדמת הב"י לספרו על הטור בסופו
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