How to say it
MU · sa
ˈmuː.sɑː
Masculine
Musa
Drawn from the water
What it means
The Arabic form of Moses, the prophet, traditionally read as 'drawn from the water.'
Musa is the Arabic form of Moses, the prophet who appears throughout the Quran and the Bible, traditionally read as 'drawn from the water.' Musa is one of the most honored prophets in Islam, and the name is widespread across the Muslim world and parts of Africa. Mansa Musa, the medieval Malian emperor, was among the richest people in history. Said MOO-sah.
How to spell Musa
The standard spelling is Musa. Common variants include Moussa, Moosa, Mousa, but Musa is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #470 in 2025, currently #470 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Worth knowing
The Arabic form of Moses, a major prophet in Islam.
- Pop culture
Mansa Musa, the immensely wealthy medieval Malian emperor.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Mansa Musa fourteenth-century emperor of the Mali Empire, renowned for his immense wealth
Spelling variants
- Moussa
- Moosa
- Mousa
Names with the same feeling
See Musa from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Musa mean?
- The Arabic form of Moses, the prophet, traditionally read as 'drawn from the water.'
- What does Musa mean in Arabic?
- In Arabic, Musa means "Drawn from the water." Musa is the Arabic form of Moses, the prophet who appears throughout the Quran and the Bible, traditionally read as 'drawn from the water.' Musa is one of the most honored prophets in Islam, and the name is widespread across the Muslim world and parts of Africa. Mansa Musa, the medieval Malian emperor, was among the richest people in history. Said MOO-sah.
- How do you pronounce Musa?
- Musa is pronounced ˈmuː.sɑː. Say it as MU-sa, with the stress on the "mu" syllable.
- How do you spell Musa?
- The standard spelling is Musa. Common spelling variants include Moussa, Moosa, Mousa.
- Is Musa a boy or girl name?
- Musa is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Musa?
- Musa ranked #470 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.