Hussain is a masculine given name of Arabic origin, derived from the word 'ḥusayn', which means "good" or "beautiful". It is often associated with Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia Imam.
The name Hussain has been popular among Muslims for centuries, particularly among those who follow the Shia branch of Islam. It is often given to male children in honor of Imam Hussain, who is revered for his bravery, martyrdom, and defense of justice and truth. The Battle of Karbala, in which Imam Hussain and his companions were martyred, is considered a pivotal event in Islamic history and is commemorated annually during the month of Muharram.
In addition to its religious significance, the name Hussain has also been adopted by non-Muslims, particularly in South Asia, where it is often used as a given name regardless of religious affiliation. Today, Hussain is a popular name worldwide, with variations such as Hussein, Husayn, and Hussien appearing in various languages and cultures.
In summary, the name Hussain is of Arabic origin, meaning "good" or "beautiful", and is associated with Imam Hussain ibn Ali, a revered figure in Islamic history. It has been widely used among Muslims for centuries and has also gained popularity beyond religious boundaries, particularly in South Asia.
The name Hussain has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were relatively few babies named Hussain each year, with numbers ranging from 5 to 18 births per year between 1978 and 1988.
However, starting in the mid-1990s, there was a significant uptick in the number of babies named Hussain. In 1995, there were 32 births, marking the beginning of a steady upward trend that has continued to this day. By 2008, the number of annual births had more than doubled, reaching 54 births that year.
The trend continued through the 2010s and into the 2020s, with over 90 births each year from 2016 to 2020. In fact, the peak years for the name Hussain in the United States were recent ones: there were 100 births in 2018 and 93 births in 2016.
Overall, since 1978, a total of 1,888 babies have been named Hussain in the United States. This steady increase over time suggests that the name Hussain is becoming more popular among parents in recent years.