Mustapha

Mustapha is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It derives from Muṣṭafā, meaning "the chosen one," from the verb istafa, to choose or select. In Islamic tradition the title al-Mustafa is sometimes used for the Prophet Muhammad. The name appears in many transliterations, including Mustafa, Mostafa, Mostapha, Mustapha, and Moustapha; in Turkish contexts the form Mustafa is common.

The name is widely used across Muslim-majority regions and their diasporas. It is common in North Africa (such as Algeria and Morocco), the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey, and South Asia, with local spellings reflecting linguistic norms. Transliteration differences often reflect the language and script of the community, but the underlying meaning remains the same.

Notable bearers and references illustrate the name’s historical depth and cultural reach. Ottoman sultans named Mustafa I, Mustafa II, and Mustafa III show its long-standing use within imperial contexts. In modern culture, the spelling variant Mustapha appears in various names, and in fiction the character Mustapha Mond is a central figure in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, highlighting the name’s continued literary presence.

Overall, Mustapha and its variants remain popular in many Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, valued for their connection to the idea of being "the chosen one" and for their historical and cultural resonance.