"God will increase, God adds"
Yousuf
A prophetic Arabic name meaning God increases
Meaning & Origin
"may He add"
The Story of Yousuf
Yousuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning may God add or God will increase. In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Yusuf is celebrated as the most beautiful of stories in the Quran, with an entire chapter (Surah Yusuf) dedicated to his life. The name has been beloved across Muslim-majority countries for over 1,400 years.
Yousuf and its variant Yusuf have been consistently popular across the Muslim world and increasingly common in Western countries. The name ranks among the top names in Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and many African nations. Cat Stevens adopted the name Yusuf Islam upon converting to Islam in 1977.
In Islamic tradition, Yusuf is the Prophet known for his extraordinary beauty, patience in adversity, and wisdom. The Quran's Surah Yusuf is considered one of the most beautifully narrated stories in all of Arabic literature, making the name deeply significant for Muslim families worldwide.
Fun Facts
- Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) chose this name upon converting to Islam in 1977
- The Quran's Chapter 12 (Surah Yusuf) is the only surah that tells a single continuous narrative story
Yousuf in Other Languages
Famous People Named Yousuf
Yousuf Youhana
Athlete
1974
Pakistani cricket legend and one of Pakistan's greatest batsmen
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
Musician
1948
British singer-songwriter who converted to Islam in 1977, known for Wild World and Father and Son
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,794
- Total SSA Count
- 91
- Cultural Origins
- Muslim Arabic South Asian African
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Yousuf and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Yousuf 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Yousuf
What does the name Yousuf mean?
What is the origin of the name Yousuf?
Is Yousuf a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Yousuf?
What are common nicknames for Yousuf?
What are good middle names for Yousuf?
What are good sibling names for Yousuf?
How many syllables does Yousuf have?
Is Yousuf a common or rare name?
About the Name Yousuf
Yousuf is a boy name with Muslim, Arabic, South Asian, and African origins . The name means "God will increase, God adds" in Hebrew via Arabic .
Yousuf is currently ranked #1,794 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yousuf has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yousuf include Yous and Yusu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Yousuf include Yousef, Youssef, Yousif . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.