Rising since 1986, #1,886 for boys today.
Popularity of Yusef since 1962
Babies named Yusef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 91 |
| 1970s | 457 |
| 1980s | 346 |
| 1990s | 495 |
| 2000s | 646 |
| 2010s | 654 |
| 2020s | 427 |
Meaning & origin
Yusef, an Arabic variant of Joseph, has been in consistent but modest use in the United States since first appearing in 1962. In 2025 it ranked 1,886th, with a rate of 1 in 20,579 births. Its highest popularity occurred in 2024, and the name has been on a rising trajectory since 1986, indicating growing but still rare usage. Yusef is most common in Michigan, Indiana, and New York, reflecting communities with Arabic-speaking heritage. The name's steady upward trend suggests it remains a distinctive choice that honors religious tradition without entering the mainstream.
Yusef is an Arabic form of Joseph, derived from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוסף), meaning 'He will add' or 'God increases.' It is the name of a prophet in the Quran, corresponding to the biblical Joseph. The name has been widely used in Muslim-majority countries and among Arabic-speaking communities worldwide.
Where Yusef is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yus, Yusie, Seff
Sibling names for Yusef
Names that share Yusef's style, for a brother or sister.
