"God will increase, God will add"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Yusef
Pronunciation: [ y-OOS-ehf ]
Does Yusef flow with your last name?
The prophet of patience and ultimate triumph
Arabic
Muslim
Middle Eastern
African
Traditional
Spiritual
Classic
Strong
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"may God add (children, blessings)"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Yusef
Yusef (also written Yusuf, Yousef) is the Arabic form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew 'Yosef,' meaning 'God will increase' or 'God will add.' The name appears prominently in both the Bible and the Quran: Joseph is the eleventh of Jacob's twelve sons, sold by his brothers into Egyptian slavery before rising to become Pharaoh's vizier. In the Quran, Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) tells this story with additional details, and is called 'the most beautiful of stories.'
Yusef/Yusuf is perennially popular across the Muslim world, as it honors a prophet revered in Islam. In Western countries, it has appeared frequently as Muslim communities have grown.
Yusuf ibn Yaqub (Joseph son of Jacob) is one of the most significant prophets in Islam, honored with an entire chapter of the Quran. The story of Yusuf — betrayal, patience, forgiveness, and ultimate triumph — is considered a model for enduring hardship with grace.
Historical Record
Yusef first appeared in US Social Security records in 1962.
Over 3,032 babies have been named Yusef in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yusef is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,635 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Surah Yusuf in the Quran is the only chapter devoted entirely to one prophet's story and is called 'ahsanu al-qasas' (the best of stories)
- Cat Stevens converted to Islam in 1977 and changed his name to Yusuf Islam — he performs today as Yusuf/Cat Stevens
Yusef in Other Languages
Arabic
يوسف
Hebrew
יוֹסֵף
Persian
یوسف
Swahili
Yusufu
Turkish
Yusuf
Popularity Over Time
#1,635
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yusef
Y
Yusuf Abubakar Saraki
Politician
1962
Nigerian politician who served as President of the Nigerian Senate
Y
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
Musician
1948
British singer-songwriter who converted to Islam in 1977, known for Wild World, Father and Son, and Peace Train
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,635
- Total SSA Count
- 104
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Muslim Middle Eastern African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Yus
Seff
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yusef
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yusef
What does the name Yusef mean?
"God will increase, God will add" (from Hebrew). "may God add (children, blessings)" (from Arabic). Yusef (also written Yusuf, Yousef) is the Arabic form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew 'Yosef,' meaning 'God will increase' or 'God will add.' The name appears prominently in both the Bible and the Quran: Joseph is the eleventh of Jacob's twelve sons, sold by his brothers into Egyptian slavery before rising to become Pharaoh's vizier. In the Quran, Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) tells this story with additional details, and is called 'the most beautiful of stories.'
What is the origin of the name Yusef?
Yusef has Hebrew, Arabic, Muslim, Middle Eastern, and African origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will increase, God will add". In Arabic, it means "may God add (children, blessings)".
Is Yusef a boy or girl name?
Yusef is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Yusef?
Yusef is pronounced y-OOS-ehf.
How popular is the name Yusef?
Yusef is currently ranked #1635 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yusef?
Common nicknames for Yusef include Yus and Seff.
What are good middle names for Yusef?
Popular middle name pairings include Yusef Ali, Yusef Ibrahim, Yusef Khalid, Yusef Hassan, Yusef Omar, Yusef Tariq, and Yusef Bilal.
What are good sibling names for Yusef?
Names that pair well with Yusef as siblings include Fatima, Ibrahim, Zainab, Maryam, Omar, Layla, Amira, and Hassan.
How many syllables does Yusef have?
Yusef has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yusef a common or rare name?
Yusef is an uncommon name, ranked #1635 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Yusef?
About the Name Yusef
Yusef is a boy name with Arabic, Muslim, Middle Eastern, and African origins . The name means "God will increase, God will add" in Hebrew .
Yusef is currently ranked #1,635 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yusef has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-OOS-ehf, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yusef include Yus and Seff. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis