Rising since 1988, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Mousa since 1978
Babies named Mousa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 27 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 102 |
| 2010s | 164 |
| 2020s | 153 |
Meaning & origin
Mousa, the Arabic form of Moses, has seen a steady rise in usage since 1988, reflecting broader trends of multicultural naming. In 2025, it reached its peak rank of 3,658, with a frequency of 1 in 57,000 births. The name's trajectory shows consistent growth over decades, with its first recorded U.S. appearance in 1978. California, a state with a large Arabic-speaking population, is the top state for the name. Mousa carries deep religious significance in Islam, honoring the prophet Musa, and its increasing popularity aligns with the growing visibility of Arabic names in American culture.
Mousa is the Arabic form of Moses, derived from the Hebrew name Moshe, of uncertain etymology. It is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition as the name of the prophet Musa (Moses), who is mentioned frequently in the Quran. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries and is also found in other Muslim-majority regions.
Where Mousa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Mousa
Names that share Mousa's style, for a brother or sister.
