Rising since 1985, #760 for boys today.
Popularity of Mustafa since 1963
Babies named Mustafa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 21 |
| 1970s | 219 |
| 1980s | 633 |
| 1990s | 1,016 |
| 2000s | 1,605 |
| 2010s | 2,243 |
| 2020s | 1,636 |
Meaning & origin
Mustafa, a name of Arabic origin meaning 'chosen', carries deep religious significance as one of the Prophet Muhammad's epithets. First recorded in U.S. data in 1963, it has been on a steady upward trajectory, rising from obscurity to rank 760 in 2025. The name currently has a 1-in-5,039 birth rate, and peaked in popularity in 2025, reflecting its growing appeal among American families. It is most common in Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey, states with sizable Muslim communities. While never entering the top 500, its consistent rise since 1985 suggests an enduring, if niche, presence.
Mustafa is an Arabic name derived from the root ṣ-f-w, conveying the idea of being chosen or selected. It is one of the honorific titles of the Prophet Muhammad, meaning 'the Chosen One'. The name has been widely used across the Muslim world for centuries, particularly in Turkey, the Balkans, and South Asia due to Ottoman influence. In the United States, it has been in use since at least 1963 and has seen gradual growth in popularity.
Where Mustafa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mustafa” around the world
Where Mustafa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
14
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Musti, Moose
Sibling names for Mustafa
Names that share Mustafa's style, for a brother or sister.
