"God will increase, God will add"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Arabic
Yousef
Pronunciation: [ y-OOS-ehf ]
Does Yousef flow with your last name?
A prophet's name carried across three faiths for millennia
Arabic
Persian
Turkish
Muslim
North African
Spiritual
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"may God give increase"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Yousef
Yousef is the Arabic transliteration of the Hebrew Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning 'God will increase' or 'God will add.' In Islam, Yusuf (the Arabic form) holds one of the most exalted positions of any prophet — the Quran devotes an entire chapter (Surah Yusuf, Chapter 12) to his life story, calling it 'the best of stories.' The name has been used continuously for over 3,000 years across Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.
Yousef consistently ranks among the top baby names in Arabic-speaking countries and Muslim communities worldwide. In the West, it gained wider recognition through figures like Cat Stevens, who adopted the name Yusuf Islam upon converting to Islam in 1977.
In the Quran, Prophet Yusuf's story — his dreams, his brothers' betrayal, his enslavement in Egypt, and his ultimate rise to power — is told in one of the most poetic and detailed narratives in Islamic scripture. The name carries immense religious weight and is considered blessed in Muslim families.
Historical Record
Yousef first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 6,654 babies have been named Yousef in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yousef is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #767 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Quran's 12th chapter, Surah Yusuf, is the only chapter dedicated entirely to one prophet's life story
- Yusuf/Joseph is one of only a handful of names revered as a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam simultaneously
Yousef in Other Languages
Arabic
يوسف
French
Joseph
Hebrew
יוֹסֵף
English
Joseph
Persian
یوسف
Turkish
Yusuf
Popularity Over Time
#767
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yousef
Y
Yousef Erakat
Entertainer
1990
Palestinian-American YouTuber known as FouseyTube, one of the early breakout stars of YouTube comedy
Y
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
Musician
1948
British singer-songwriter who converted to Islam in 1977 and took the name Yusuf, known for Wild World and Father and So...
British singer-songwriter who converted to Islam in 1977 and took the name Yusuf, known for Wild World and Father and Son
P
Prophet Yusuf
Religious
Biblical and Quranic prophet (Joseph), famous for his coat of many colors and his rise from slavery to become viceroy of...
Biblical and Quranic prophet (Joseph), famous for his coat of many colors and his rise from slavery to become viceroy of Egypt
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Compare Yousef with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #767
- Total SSA Count
- 331
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Persian Turkish Muslim North African
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Yoyo
Sef
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yousef
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Yousef is also used as a girl name, ranked #41209.
View Yousef as a girl name →Similar Names
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Arabic root h-m-d origin
"most highly praised, most commendable"
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Welsh origin
"son of the sea, great tide"
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Old Turkic origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yousef
What does the name Yousef mean?
"God will increase, God will add" (from Hebrew). "may God give increase" (from Biblical Hebrew). Yousef is the Arabic transliteration of the Hebrew Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning 'God will increase' or 'God will add.' In Islam, Yusuf (the Arabic form) holds one of the most exalted positions of any prophet — the Quran devotes an entire chapter (Surah Yusuf, Chapter 12) to his life story, calling it 'the best of stories.' The name has been used continuously for over 3,000 years across Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.
What is the origin of the name Yousef?
Yousef has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Muslim, and North African origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will increase, God will add". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "may God give increase".
Is Yousef a boy or girl name?
Yousef is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #767. As a girl name, it is ranked #41209. Yousef is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Yousef?
Yousef is pronounced y-OOS-ehf.
How popular is the name Yousef?
Yousef is currently ranked #767 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yousef?
Common nicknames for Yousef include Yoyo and Sef.
What are good middle names for Yousef?
Popular middle name pairings include Yousef Ali, Yousef Hassan, Yousef Ibrahim, Yousef Mohammed, Yousef Omar, Yousef Khalid, and Yousef Tariq.
What are good sibling names for Yousef?
Names that pair well with Yousef as siblings include Amir, Kareem, Leila, Yasmine, Nadia, Ibrahim, and Fatima.
How many syllables does Yousef have?
Yousef has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yousef a common or rare name?
Yousef is moderately common, ranked #767 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Yousef?
About the Name Yousef
Yousef is a boy name with Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Muslim, and North African origins . The name means "God will increase, God will add" in Hebrew .
Is Yousef a boy or girl name? Yousef is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #767 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #41,209. Yousef is more commonly used as a boy name.
Yousef is currently ranked #767 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yousef has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-OOS-ehf, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yousef include Yoyo and Sef. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Yousef include Youssef, 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