How to say it
YU · suf
ˈjuː.suf
Masculine
Yusuf
God will increase
What it means
The Arabic and Turkish form of Joseph, from the Hebrew for 'God will add' or 'God will increase.'
Yusuf is the Arabic and Turkish form of Joseph, from the Hebrew Yosef, 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Yusuf is a major prophet in the Quran, his story told in a sura that bears his name. The name is beloved across the Muslim world. Musician Yusuf Islam, once Cat Stevens, is a well-known bearer. Said YOO-suf.
How to spell Yusuf
The standard spelling is Yusuf. Common variants include Yousef, Youssef, Yusif, but Yusuf is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #450 in 2025, currently #450 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 prophet Yusuf (Joseph) of the Quran; widely used across the Muslim world.
- Spelling
Also Yousef and Youssef.
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.
- Yusuf Islam musician formerly known as Cat Stevens
Spelling variants
- Yousef
- Youssef
- Yusif
Names with the same feeling
See Yusuf from another angle
By meaning
Common questions
- What does the name Yusuf mean?
- The Arabic and Turkish form of Joseph, from the Hebrew for 'God will add' or 'God will increase.'
- What does Yusuf mean in Arabic?
- In Arabic, Yusuf means "God will increase." Yusuf is the Arabic and Turkish form of Joseph, from the Hebrew Yosef, 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Yusuf is a major prophet in the Quran, his story told in a sura that bears his name. The name is beloved across the Muslim world. Musician Yusuf Islam, once Cat Stevens, is a well-known bearer. Said YOO-suf.
- How do you pronounce Yusuf?
- Yusuf is pronounced ˈjuː.suf. Say it as YU-suf, with the stress on the "yu" syllable.
- How do you spell Yusuf?
- The standard spelling is Yusuf. Common spelling variants include Yousef, Youssef, Yusif.
- Is Yusuf a boy or girl name?
- Yusuf is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Yusuf?
- Yusuf ranked #450 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.