"good, beautiful, handsome"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Hussein
Pronunciation: [ h-oos-AYN ]
Does Hussein flow with your last name?
A beloved Islamic name honoring a martyr of profound faith
Arabic
Muslim
Iranian
Turkish
South Asian
Traditional
Spiritual
Strong
Classic
Royal
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Hussein
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Hussein
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"the little good one"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Hussein
See all →What the Hussein report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Hussein the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Hussein
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Hussein head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Hussein actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
Things to Know About This Name
- Saddam Hussein (1937-2006), the Iraqi dictator whose rule and execution are widely condemned, carries significant negative association for some Western families
The Story of Hussein
Hussein (also Husayn or Husain) derives from the Arabic root 'h-s-n,' meaning 'good,' 'beautiful,' or 'handsome.' It is the diminutive of Hasan (good), making Hussein literally mean 'the little good one' or 'very handsome.' The name carries enormous religious significance in Islam as the name of Hussein ibn Ali (626-680 CE), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam.
Hussein has been a beloved name throughout the Muslim world for over 1,400 years, primarily due to the veneration of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, whose martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala (680 CE) is commemorated annually during Ashura. The name remains especially popular in Shia Muslim communities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and South Asia.
In Shia Islam, Hussein ibn Ali is one of the most revered figures, and naming a child Hussein is an act of devotion and remembrance. His martyrdom at Karbala forms the theological and emotional heart of Shia Islam. In Sunni communities, the name is also beloved as the name of the Prophet's grandson. King Hussein of Jordan (1935-1999) gave the name a modern royal association.
Historical Record
Hussein first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 3,320 babies have been named Hussein in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hussein is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,654 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Imam Hussein's shrine in Karbala, Iraq draws millions of Shia pilgrims annually, making it one of the world's most visited religious sites
- King Hussein of Jordan reigned for 46 years (1952-1999) and was one of the longest-ruling leaders in the Arab world
Hussein in Other Languages
Urdu
حسین
Arabic
حُسَيْن
Persian
حسین
Swahili
Hussein
Turkish
Hüseyin
Popularity Over Time
#1,654
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hussein
K
King Hussein of Jordan
Royalty
1935
King of Jordan from 1952 to 1999, known for his moderate leadership and peace efforts in the Middle East
H
Hussein ibn Ali
Religious
Grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, revered as a martyr in Islam, killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,654
- Total SSA Count
- 102
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Muslim Iranian Turkish South Asian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Huss
Hussey
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hussein
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Hussein fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
See all names like Hussein →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Hussein with...
Same Origin Names (Arabic)
See all Arabic names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Hussein
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Hussein and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Hussein sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Rashad
Boy
Arabic origin
"maturity, wisdom"
#1,793 in US
Tamir
Boy
Arabic origin
"rich in dates, abundant"
#1,831 in US
Khaled
Boy
Arabic (kh-l-d root) origin
"eternal, immortal, everlasting"
#1,545 in US
Shayan
Boy
Persian origin
"worthy, deserving"
#1,749 in US
Ishmael
Boy
Hebrew origin
"God will hear"
#1,498 in US
Mahir
Boy
Hebrew origin
"swift, quick"
#1,478 in US
Aydan
Boy
Old Irish (Aoidh) origin
"little fire"
#1,608 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Hussein's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hussein
What does the name Hussein mean?
"good, beautiful, handsome" (from Arabic). "the little good one" (from Arabic). Hussein (also Husayn or Husain) derives from the Arabic root 'h-s-n,' meaning 'good,' 'beautiful,' or 'handsome.' It is the diminutive of Hasan (good), making Hussein literally mean 'the little good one' or 'very handsome.' The name carries enormous religious significance in Islam as the name of Hussein ibn Ali (626-680 CE), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam.
What is the origin of the name Hussein?
Hussein has Arabic, Muslim, Iranian, Turkish, and South Asian origins. In Arabic, it means "good, beautiful, handsome". In Arabic, it means "the little good one".
Is Hussein a boy or girl name?
Hussein is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Hussein?
Hussein is pronounced h-oos-AYN.
How popular is the name Hussein?
Hussein is currently ranked #1654 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hussein?
Common nicknames for Hussein include Huss and Hussey.
What are good middle names for Hussein?
Popular middle name pairings include Hussein Ali, Hussein Omar, Hussein Khalid, Hussein Reza, Hussein Tariq, Hussein Nasser, and Hussein Amir.
What are good sibling names for Hussein?
Names that pair well with Hussein as siblings include Hassan, Ali, Fatima, Zainab, Ibrahim, Maryam, and Omar.
How many syllables does Hussein have?
Hussein has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hussein a common or rare name?
Hussein is an uncommon name, ranked #1654 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Hussein?
Are there other spellings for Hussein?
Related spellings include Hussain.
About the Name Hussein
Hussein is a boy name with Arabic, Muslim, Iranian, Turkish, and South Asian origins . The name means "good, beautiful, handsome" in Arabic .
Hussein is currently ranked #1,654 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Hussein has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-oos-AYN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hussein include Huss and Hussey. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hussein include Hussain . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Arabic Names
Browse all names with this origin
H
Names Starting with H
More boy names like Hussein
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Boy Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
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