Hussein

Pronunciation: [ h-oos-AYN ]

Boy Name #1,654 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A beloved Islamic name honoring a martyr of profound faith

Arabic Muslim Iranian Turkish South Asian

Traditional Spiritual Strong Classic Royal

Meaning & Origin

"good, beautiful, handsome"

Origin: Arabic

Language: Arabic

"the little good one"

Origin: Arabic

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Hussein

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

Hussein ibn Ali

Religious

Grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, revered as a martyr in Islam, killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE

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

Hussain #1662

Common Nicknames

Huss Hussey

Pairs Well With

Hussein Ali Hussein Omar Hussein Khalid Hussein Reza Hussein Tariq Hussein Nasser Hussein Amir

Sibling Names

Hassan Ali Fatima Zainab Ibrahim Maryam Omar

Similar Names

Hasan Adnan Yasin Ehsan Hussain Usman Yaseen Ahsan

Playground Safety

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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.

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.