Yusuf

♂ Boy

Pronounced YOO-suf /ˈjuː.sʊf/High

Meaning: Arabic form of the Hebrew name Yosef (Joseph), composed of 'yasaf' meaning to add or increase and 'el/yah' meaning God — 'may God add' or 'God increases'High

In 30 seconds: Yusuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, one of the most important names in the Abrahamic faiths. Carried by the prophet Joseph in the Quran, Torah, and Bible, it is widely used across the Muslim world and beyond.

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Origin HighHebrew, Arabic

MeaningArabic form of the Hebrew name Yosef (Joseph), composed of 'yasaf' meaning to add or increase and 'el/yah' meaning God — 'may God add' or 'God increases'

U.S. rank (2025)#450 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births698 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 11,453

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Yusuf is the Arabic rendering of the Hebrew Yosef, composed of the root yasaf (to add, increase) with the divine element, meaning 'may God add' or 'God increases.' The name is shared across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions through the patriarch Joseph — son of Jacob — whose story of betrayal, perseverance, and triumph is told in all three faiths.

In the Islamic world, Yusuf holds particular importance as the name of the prophet whose full story is told in Surah Yusuf, the 12th chapter of the Quran — considered one of the most beautiful chapters. The name is used throughout the Arab world, South Asia, and Africa, and is increasingly recognized in Western countries.

Did you know? Yusuf Islam is the name taken by British singer Cat Stevens when he converted to Islam in 1977 — one of the most famous name changes in music history, bringing global attention to this Arabic form of Joseph.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Yusuf — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

JosephYousefYousufJosef

Nicknames

YusuSuf

Famous Bearers

★Yusuf Islam (1948–present)
British musician, formerly known as Cat Stevens, who converted to Islam in 1977
★Yusuf (Quranic prophet)
Prophet Joseph as named in the Quran, subject of Surah Yusuf

If you like Yusuf…

Ibrahim— shares the Quranic patriarch name tradition and Arabic form of a Hebrew name

Ismail— another Quranic prophetic name with the same sacred Islamic heritage

Dawud— Arabic form of David, sharing the same Abrahamic cross-faith tradition

Idris— shares the Quranic connection and the dignified Arabic prophetic name quality

Frequently Asked

What does Yusuf mean?

Yusuf means 'God increases' or 'may God add,' from the Hebrew root 'yasaf.' It is the Arabic form of the name Joseph.

How do you pronounce Yusuf?

Yusuf is pronounced YOO-suf /ˈjuː.sʊf/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Yusuf the same as Joseph?

Yes. Yusuf is the Arabic form of the Hebrew Yosef (Joseph). All three forms — Yusuf, Yosef, and Joseph — refer to the same patriarch honored in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions.

Is Yusuf a popular name?

Yusuf is very widely used across the Muslim world and ranks among the top boys' names in many Arab, South Asian, and African countries. Its use in Western countries is growing.