Youssou

Youssou is a masculine given name used primarily in West Africa. It is a variant transliteration of the Arabic name Yusuf (Joseph) and shares the same Semitic root, often adopted in local languages and through French-influenced orthography. The name is most common among Muslim communities and appears in countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Mali and Mauritania.

Pronunciation varies by language and region but is commonly rendered in English as "YOO-soo." Spelling variants include Yousou, Youssouf, Youssef and Yusuf, reflecting different phonetic and orthographic traditions.

The name is associated with figures in music, sports and public life across West Africa. The most internationally recognized bearer is Youssou N'Dour, a Senegalese singer, composer and cultural ambassador noted for blending traditional West African music with popular styles and for his global collaborations. Other individuals named Youssou appear in football, academia and local politics, illustrating the name’s widespread cultural presence.

As a personal name, Youssou reflects a blend of Islamic naming practices and regional linguistic adaptation. It is used both as a first name and occasionally as a surname, and its popularity has been influenced by prominent public figures and transnational cultural exchange.