Yousaf

Yousaf is a given name and surname of Arabic origin, a transliteration variant of Yusuf, the Arabic form of the Hebrew name Yosef (Joseph). The meaning is commonly given as “God increases” or “God adds.” In Muslim communities across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and in diaspora populations, Yousaf is used as a first or last name; the spelling Yousaf reflects South Asian transliteration conventions, while Yusuf and Yousef are common in other regions. Variants include Yusuf, Yousef, Yusef, Yosef, Yousif, and Yousuf.

As a given name, notable individuals include Yousaf Raza Gillani (born 1952), a Pakistani politician who served as prime minister from 2008 to 2012. As a surname, notable people include Humza Yousaf (born 1985), a Scottish politician who has served as First Minister of Scotland since 2023. The name is used by people of diverse backgrounds, and its transliteration varies with language and country, reflecting broader patterns of cultural and linguistic adaptation.