Boy name · Arabic
Yusuf
“God increases”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Yusuf.
Explore Yusuf further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Yusuf — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Yusuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, يوسف, ultimately from Hebrew Yosef, "he will add" or "God increases." A whole surah of the Quran carries the name and tells the story at length, which gives it a weight in Arabic that the English Joseph has largely worn smooth.
It is among the most-given boys' names in Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia, and it has climbed sharply in Britain. Yousef, Yousuf and Youssef are all standard transliterations of the same three Arabic letters, so spelling is regional rather than right or wrong.
Yus is the natural clip. Two syllables with a soft finish, comfortable in front of almost anything (Yusuf Rae, Yusuf Emmanuel). Heirloom first — it is a name handed down rather than picked — with a Vintage Elegant edge.
More Arabic names
Yusuf sits in our Arabic set — these share its roots.
All Arabic names →Yusuf — common questions
Is Yusuf a boy or girl name?
Yusuf is traditionally a boy name of Arabic origin.
What does the name Yusuf mean?
Yusuf means “God increases” of Arabic origin. Yusuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, يوسف, ultimately from Hebrew Yosef, "he will add" or "God increases." A whole surah of the Quran carries the name and tells the story at length, which gives it a weight in Arabic that the English Joseph has largely worn smooth.
Where does the name Yusuf come from?
Yusuf is Arabic in origin. It is among the most-given boys' names in Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia, and it has climbed sharply in Britain. Yousef, Yousuf and Youssef are all standard transliterations of the same three Arabic letters, so spelling is regional rather than right or wrong.
What are common nicknames for Yusuf?
Yus and Sufi — the short-forms parents most often use for Yusuf.
How popular is Yusuf?
Yusuf did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Yusuf you might want for the nursery.