What does Yusuf mean and where does it come from?
Yusuf is a classic name of Arabic origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוסף). The name is prominent in Islamic tradition due to the story of Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran, where he is celebrated for his beauty and his ability to interpret dreams. In Christianity and Judaism, the name is also si
Cultural significance
Yusuf has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of يوسف meaning 'god increases'.
Peak popularity
Reached #545 in 2019 — currently #493 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yusuf?
Yusuf works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yusuf Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yusuf Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yusuf Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yusuf Claire
French influence · crisp
Yusuf Jane
Literary · strong
Yusuf Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yusuf right now?
Rising fast — up 77 spots — currently #493 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #493 | 610 | ▲ up 77 · +18% births |
| 2022 | #570 | 519 | ▼ down 11 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #559 | 507 | ▲ up 11 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #570 | 486 | ▲ up 20 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #590 | 468 | ▲ up 127 · +44% births |
| 2010 | #717 | 324 | ▲ up 238 · +77% births |
| 2005 | #955 | 183 | ▲ up 192 · +51% births |
| 2000 | #1147 | 121 | ▲ up 125 · +42% births |
| 1995 | #1272 | 85 | ▲ up 420 · +77% births |
| 1990 | #1692 | 48 | ▼ down 380 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #1312 | 54 | ▲ up 61 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #1373 | 48 | ▼ down 120 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #1253 | 47 | ▲ up 681 · +114% births |
| 1970 | #1934 | 22 | ▲ up 1870 · +267% births |
| 1965 | #3804 | 6 | — |
The story of Yusuf
Yusuf entered American naming records in 1949 and has been in use for over 75 years. With 8,470 total births recorded, Yusuf remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4456 in 1960 to #493 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yusuf in 2019:
Yusuf by decade
Yusuf peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 49 | |
| 1970s | 392 | |
| 1980s | 448 | |
| 1990s | 735 | |
| 2000s | 2,002 | |
| 2010s ★ | 4,353 | |
| 2020s | 486 | |
💎With 8,470 total births, Yusuf is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Yusuf?
DUTCH
JefJoepJoopJoosJoostJosSjefZef
Famous people named Yusuf
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Yusuf (Quranic figure)
Yusuf appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
Y(
Yusuf (Arab poet)
Yusuf carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
Y(
Yusuf (historical Arab ruler)
Yusuf held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
Y(
Yusuf (Sufi mystic)
Yusuf used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Yusuf?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yusuf also consider these
How is Yusuf written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Yusuf?
Common questions about the name Yusuf
What does the name Yusuf mean?
Yusuf means "يوسف meaning 'God increases'" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Yusuf?
Yusuf is currently ranked #493 in the United States as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yusuf have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yusuf?
Yusuf originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Yusuf trending right now?
Yusuf is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Yusuf a classic or a modern name?
Yusuf has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.