Find out how popular the first name Youssef has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Youssef by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Youssef is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 122 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Youssef.

The history of the first name Youssef

The name Youssef has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, which comes from the root word "yasaf," meaning "to add" or "to increase." The name is believed to have been in use since ancient times, dating back to the biblical era.

One of the earliest and most prominent references to the name Youssef is in the Quran, where it is mentioned as the name of the prophet Joseph, son of Jacob. The story of Joseph is recounted in great detail in the Quran, and his name is mentioned numerous times throughout the text.

The name Youssef has been used by many notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest recorded examples is Youssef ibn Nasr al-Nashi, a famous Arabic poet who lived in the 9th century CE. Another notable bearer of the name was Youssef ibn Yahya al-Baladhuri, a renowned historian from the 9th century who wrote extensively about the early Islamic conquests.

In the medieval period, Youssef ibn Ismail al-Sahili was a prominent Moroccan scholar and judge who lived in the 12th century. He was known for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and his contributions to the field of Maliki law.

Moving forward, one of the most famous figures in modern Arab history with the name Youssef was Youssef Bey Karam, a Lebanese nationalist and leader who played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence from Ottoman rule in the early 20th century. He was born in 1823 and died in 1889.

Another notable bearer of the name Youssef was Youssef Chahine, an acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker and actor who was a pioneer of Arab cinema. He was born in 1926 and passed away in 2008, leaving behind a rich legacy of films that explored social and political themes in the Arab world.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Youssef, a name steeped in cultural and religious significance in the Arabic and Islamic traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Youssef was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Youssef, please contact us.

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