"drawn out of water"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Arabic
Musa
Pronunciation: [ my-OOS-uh ]
Does Musa flow with your last name?
The most-mentioned prophet in the Quran
Arabic
Islamic
African
Turkish
Swahili
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"saved, rescued"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Musa
Musa is the Arabic form of Moses, from the Hebrew Moshe, traditionally meaning drawn out of the water. In the Islamic tradition, Musa is one of the Ulul Azm — the five prophets of the highest determination — and is mentioned more times in the Quran than any other prophet. The name has been used continuously across the Muslim world for over 1,400 years.
Musa is among the most popular names across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. In the UK, it has climbed into the top 50 boys names as the Muslim population has grown. In West Africa, names like Moussa have been common for centuries.
In Islam, Musa (Moses) is considered one of the greatest prophets, whose story occupies more space in the Quran than any other prophet. He is revered as Kalimullah — the one to whom God spoke directly. The name carries enormous spiritual weight in Muslim families worldwide.
Historical Record
Musa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 5,454 babies have been named Musa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Musa is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #525 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Musa is mentioned 136 times in the Quran, more than any other prophet
- The name is in the top 10 in several West African countries including Nigeria and Senegal
- Mansa Musa, emperor of Mali, is considered one of the wealthiest people in history
Musa in Other Languages
Hausa
Musa
Arabic
موسى
Hebrew
מֹשֶׁה
Somali
Muuse
Swahili
Musa
Turkish
Musa
Popularity Over Time
#525
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Musa
M
Mansa Musa
Royalty
1280
Emperor of the Mali Empire, considered one of the wealthiest individuals in history, known for his extravagant pilgrimag...
Emperor of the Mali Empire, considered one of the wealthiest individuals in history, known for his extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324
M
Musa (Prophet)
Religious
Prophet in Islam (Moses), one of the five most revered prophets and the most frequently mentioned in the Quran
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #525
- Total SSA Count
- 566
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Islamic African Turkish Swahili
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mu
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, traditional 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, 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 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Musa
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Musa is also used as a girl name, ranked #49073.
View Musa as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Musa
What does the name Musa mean?
"drawn out of water" (from Hebrew). "saved, rescued" (from Arabic). Musa is the Arabic form of Moses, from the Hebrew Moshe, traditionally meaning drawn out of the water. In the Islamic tradition, Musa is one of the Ulul Azm — the five prophets of the highest determination — and is mentioned more times in the Quran than any other prophet. The name has been used continuously across the Muslim world for over 1,400 years.
What is the origin of the name Musa?
Musa has Hebrew, Arabic, Islamic, African, Turkish, and Swahili origins. In Hebrew, it means "drawn out of water". In Arabic, it means "saved, rescued".
Is Musa a boy or girl name?
Musa is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #525. As a girl name, it is ranked #49073. Musa is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Musa?
Musa is pronounced my-OOS-uh.
How popular is the name Musa?
Musa is currently ranked #525 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Musa?
Popular middle name pairings include Musa Ahmed, Musa Ibrahim, Musa Ali, Musa Hassan, Musa Omar, and Musa Yusuf.
What are good sibling names for Musa?
Names that pair well with Musa as siblings include Fatima, Aisha, Ibrahim, Adam, Maryam, Yusuf, and Zainab.
How many syllables does Musa have?
Musa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Musa a common or rare name?
Musa is moderately common, ranked #525 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Musa?
About the Name Musa
Musa is a boy name with Arabic, Islamic, African, Turkish, and Swahili origins . The name means "drawn out of water" in Hebrew .
Is Musa a boy or girl name? Musa is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #525 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #49,073. Musa is more commonly used as a boy name.
Musa is currently ranked #525 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Musa has 2 syllables and is pronounced my-OOS-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Musa include Mu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Musa include Mustafa, Musab, Mustafo . 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