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Yousef

♂ Boy

Pronounced YOO-sef /ˈjuː.sɛf/High

Meaning: Arabic form of the Hebrew Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases'; from the Hebrew asaf (to add, to increase); Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob in the Bible and is venerated as a prophet in Islam as YusufHigh

In 30 seconds: Yousef is the Arabic form of Joseph, one of the most beloved names in three world religions. Its meaning — 'God will add' — carries a promise of blessing, and the story of the prophet Yusuf is the most beautifully told in the Quran.
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Origin HighHebrew, Arabic
MeaningArabic form of the Hebrew Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning 'God will add' or 'God increases'; from the Hebrew asaf (to add, to increase); Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob in the Bible and is venerated as a prophet in Islam as Yusuf
U.S. rank (2025)#745 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births349 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,003

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519702025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Yousef is an Arabic transliteration of Yusuf, the Arabic form of the Hebrew Joseph (Yosef). Joseph was a patriarch of Israel and a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for interpreting dreams and rising from slavery to become vizier of Egypt. Yusuf is equally revered in Islam as a prophet.

Yousef/Yusuf is one of the most popular names in Muslim-majority countries and is widely used among Muslim Americans. The Yousef spelling, with the ou, is common in Arab countries and reflects Arabic transliteration conventions. It has been growing steadily in the United States.

Did you know? Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12 of the Quran) is the only complete story told in a single chapter of the Quran and is called 'the most beautiful of stories.' Its account of Joseph's trials and ultimate forgiveness of his brothers is considered one of the most moving narratives in religious literature.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Yousef — etymology and Islamic significanceU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

YusufJosefJoseph

Nicknames

YousYusu

Famous Bearers

  • ★Yusuf Islam (1948–present)
    British singer-songwriter formerly known as Cat Stevens, who converted to Islam.

If you like Yousef…

Yusuf— the alternate Arabic transliteration of the same name with identical meaning
Ibrahim— fellow Arabic form of a major prophet's name (Abraham) in the same Islamic tradition
Omar— shares the classic Arabic Islamic dignity and the same broad Muslim naming heritage
Adam— parallel foundational patriarchal name used in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Frequently Asked

What does the name Yousef mean?

Yousef means 'God will add' or 'God increases' from Hebrew Yosef through Arabic. Joseph/Yusuf is a prophet revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

How do you pronounce Yousef?

Yousef is pronounced YOO-sef /ˈjuː.sɛf/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Yousef the same as Joseph?

Yousef is the Arabic form of the same name as Joseph. Yusuf is the most common Arabic spelling; Yousef is an alternate transliteration.

Is Yousef a Muslim name?

Yes, Yousef/Yusuf is a significant Islamic name. Yusuf is a prophet in Islam and the subject of Surah Yusuf, described as 'the most beautiful of stories' in the Quran.