Mustaf

Mustaf is a masculine given name and, less commonly, a surname used in various cultures. It is a variant spelling of Mustafa, a name with roots in Arabic and Islamic naming traditions. The form Mustaf appears in several languages and regions where Arabic influence or Ottoman-era transliteration traditions were present.

Origin and meaning: The name derives from the Arabic Muṣṭafā, meaning “the chosen one” or “the chosen one by God.” It is often used in Muslim communities as a given name in honor of its positive connotations.

Variants and usage: Spelling variations include Mustafa, Mostafa, Moustafa, Mustapha, and Mustaf. Transliteration differences arise from language and script, leading to multiple forms in Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and South Asian contexts. Mustaf is encountered particularly as a regional or historical spelling in some Turkic- and Balkan-speaking communities.

Geographic and cultural distribution: The name is widely used across the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, and South Asia, reflecting a broad Islamic cultural sphere. In Turkey, the form Mustafa is common, while in Arabic-speaking areas Mustafa is the standard form. In multilingual regions, different spellings may coexist for the same name.

Historical notes: The name has appeared in Islamic and Ottoman history, including figures recorded in English-language sources with spellings that reflect regional transliteration practices. The semantic meaning—“the chosen one”—has contributed to its enduring use in various societies.

See also: Mustafa (disambiguation).