MallowbyNames

Mustaf

moos-TAF · Chosen; preferred. A shortened form or variant of Mustafa, meaning 'chosen' or 'preferred' in Arabic, one of the traditional names of the Prophet Muhammad.

Peak popularity
2016
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2015

Declining since 2015.

Popularity of Mustaf since 1998

Babies named Mustaf per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4711200020102020Most births 2016Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s10
2000s43
2010s55
2020s17

Meaning & origin

Mustaf is a concise variant of the deeply significant Arabic name Mustafa. While it has never entered the top 1,000 names in the United States, its peak usage occurred in 2016. Since 2015, the name has been on a downward trajectory, reflecting broader trends that may favor the fuller form Mustafa. As a name it carries the honored meaning of 'chosen,' linking it to a prophetic tradition. Its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance make it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with spiritual depth and global recognition.

Mustaf is a short form of the Arabic name Mustafa, which derives from the Arabic root ṣ-f-w, conveying the concept of being chosen or selected. Mustafa is a direct epithet of the Prophet Muhammad, meaning 'the Chosen One,' and has been widely used across the Muslim world for centuries. The clipped form Mustaf has emerged in various regions as a colloquial or simplified variant, particularly in East Africa and South Asia.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Musti, Taf

Variants: Mustafa, Mustapha, Moustafa, Mostafa

Sibling names for Mustaf

Names that share Mustaf's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mustaf, our favorite little boy.

M is for Mustaf…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mustaf's letter becomes Mustaf's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mustaf's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Mustaf mean?
Mustaf is a shortened form of Mustafa, which means 'chosen' or 'preferred' in Arabic, and is an honorific title of the Prophet Muhammad.
How popular is the name Mustaf?
Mustaf has not ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. Its peak year in the Social Security data was 2016, with usage since declining.
Is Mustaf a boy or girl name?
Mustaf is traditionally a boy's name.