"God will increase, God adds"
Youssef
Pronunciation: [ y-OOS-ehf ]
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A Quranic and biblical name meaning God adds abundance
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"may He (God) add"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Youssef
Youssef is the Arabic and North African transliteration of Yusuf, itself the Arabic form of the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning God will increase or may God add more children. The name was given by Jacobs wife Rachel at Josephs birth, expressing her hope for more sons. Youssef is the dominant spelling in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Youssef/Yusuf is one of the most popular names across the Arab world and Muslim-majority countries, appearing in the top 10 from Morocco to Malaysia. The story of Yusuf is the only complete narrative of a prophet in the Quran, making this name especially blessed in Islamic tradition.
Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12 of the Quran) is devoted entirely to the story of Yusuf, making this one of the most blessed names in Islamic tradition. The story involves dreams, betrayal, resilience, and divine providence. Joseph/Yusuf is one of the few figures revered in all three Abrahamic faiths.
Historical Record
Youssef first appeared in US Social Security records in 1974.
Over 3,593 babies have been named Youssef in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Youssef is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,605 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Surah Yusuf in the Quran is sometimes called the most beautiful of stories
- Joseph/Yusuf appears as a prophet in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
- Yusuf Islam is the adopted name of Cat Stevens after his conversion to Islam in 1977
Youssef in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Youssef
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
Musician
1948
British singer-songwriter known for Wild World and Father and Son, who converted to Islam in 1977
Youssef Chahine
Other
1926
Egyptian film director considered the most important in Arab cinema history, known for Alexandria... Why?
Joseph (Yusuf - biblical)
Religious
Patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Hebrew Bible and Quranic prophet with a full chapter devoted to his stor...
Patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Hebrew Bible and Quranic prophet with a full chapter devoted to his story
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,605
- Total SSA Count
- 107
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic North African Persian Turkish Egyptian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Youssef
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Youssef
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About the Name Youssef
Youssef is a boy name with Arabic, North African, Persian, Turkish, and Egyptian origins . The name means "God will increase, God adds" in Hebrew .
Youssef is currently ranked #1,605 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Youssef has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-OOS-ehf, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Youssef include Yous. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Youssef include Yousef, Yousuf, Yousif . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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