Yousef is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the name Yusuf. In Arabic, Yusuf means "God increases" or "God adds". It is also a variation of the Hebrew name Joshua, which means "God saves".
The name Yousef has a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. It is particularly popular among Muslims, as it is the Arabic form of the name of the Prophet Joseph, who was one of the prophets mentioned in the Quran.
In Islamic tradition, Prophet Yusuf is known for his beautiful character, wisdom, and ability to interpret dreams. His story is told in the 12th chapter of the Quran, which describes how he was sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually rose to become a powerful figure in Egypt.
The name Yousef has been borne by many notable figures throughout history, including Youssef Boutros Ghali, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Youssef Chahine, an Egyptian filmmaker known for his controversial films exploring themes of nationalism and social justice.
Today, Yousef remains a popular name among Muslims around the world. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their child a name with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Whether as a first or middle name, Yousef carries a powerful legacy that speaks to its owner's heritage and faith.
Statistics show that the name Yousef has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
In the 1970s and early 1980s, the number of babies named Yousef remained relatively low, with only five births recorded each year between 1970 and 1974. However, starting in 1980, there was a notable increase in the number of newborns given this name, with 25 births recorded that year.
This upward trend continued throughout the rest of the century. By the end of the 1990s, over 100 babies were named Yousef each year. In fact, between 1998 and 2003, the number of annual births with this name ranged from a low of 102 in 1999 to a high of 156 in 2002.
The popularity of the name Yousef has continued to grow in the 21st century. Between 2004 and 2023, there were over 200 births with this name each year, with peaks of 330 in 2017 and 297 in 2023.
In total, from 1970 to 2023, there have been 6,323 babies named Yousef born in the United States. This demonstrates that while once a rarity, this name has become increasingly common over time.