Find out how popular the last name Yousuf is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Yousuf.

Yousuf, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Yousuf surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yousuf in America

Yousuf is the 21119th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yousuf surname appeared 1,243 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Yousuf.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yousuf to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Yousuf

The surname Yousuf has its roots in the Middle East, particularly within the regions that are now modern-day Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and Egypt. The name is predominantly derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "God will add" or "God increases." This name then transitioned into various forms as it journeyed through history, influenced by different languages and cultures, including Arabic, in which it is rendered as Yusuf or Yousuf.

The earliest records of the surname Yousuf can be traced back to the medieval periods when Arabic culture and Islamic influence spread across large swathes of the Middle East and North Africa. During the Islamic Golden Age between the 8th and 14th centuries, many records from scholars, poets, and even state officials include the surname Yousuf as it was one of the common surnames indicating lineage, and it was used as a form of identity.

Historical manuscripts and records such as tarikh (histories) and biographical compilations often contain references to individuals with the surname Yousuf. One notable example is Yaqub ibn Ishaq al-Kindi (c. 801–873 AD), often known as Al-Kindi, who was a prominent Arab philosopher and scientist. While not directly carrying the surname Yousuf, his family lineage often involved the name Yousuf as part of their heritage. This showcases the commonality and respect accorded to the name in intellectual and scientific communities.

Another historical figure is Yousuf bin Tashfin (c. 1006-1106 AD), a prominent Berber ruler and a fundamental figure in the Almoravid dynasty. His campaigns across the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa are well-documented and illustrate the spread of the name Yousuf through regions under his control. His legacy continues to be remembered across North African history.

In more contemporary historical settings, Yousuf Karsh (1908–2002) was a famed Canadian photographer of Armenian descent, widely recognized for his portraits of some of the most influential figures of the 20th century, such as Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein. His surname underscored the continuity of the Yousuf name through diasporic movements, particularly during times of conflict, such as the Armenian Genocide.

Another example includes Muhammad Yousuf Sarwar (1918–1991), a notable figure from Pakistan who was an officer in the British Indian Army and later the Pakistan Army. His contributions to military strategy and governance mark a significant point in the history of the name Yousuf in South Asia during the tumultuous times of partition and independence.

Historical references also cite Yousuf bin Ahmad al-Fihri (died 759 AD), a governor in Al-Andalus, part of the Umayyad Caliphate. His governance over regions in Spain marks a critical period in early Muslim history in Europe where the name Yousuf became integrated into the fabric of Spanish history, influencing place names and cultural exchanges.

In conclusion, the surname Yousuf spans a rich tapestry of historical movements, intellectual contributions, and regional influences. Its earliest origins in the Middle East evolved over centuries, influenced by the spread of Islam, migrations, and cultural exchanges across Europe, Africa, and Asia. From rulers to scholars, military figures to artists, individuals carrying the surname Yousuf have made significant impacts throughout history, their legacy enduring through the annals of recorded time.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yousuf

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Yousuf.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Yousuf was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Yousuf has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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