Yusef

Yusef is a masculine given name, a transliteration of the Arabic Yusuf, itself derived from the Hebrew Yosef. In religious traditions, Yusuf is the figure of Joseph and is discussed in the Qur'an as well as in Judaic and Christian scriptures; the name is commonly associated with wisdom, virtue, and resilience. The meaning most often cited is “God increases” or “God shall add,” reflecting its etymology.

Today, Yusef is used across many cultures and regions. It is especially common in Arabic-speaking and Muslim-majority areas, but it has spread widely through diasporic communities. The name appears in numerous transliterations and spellings, including Yusuf, Yousef, Yousef, Yousuf, and Yousif, with regional variations such as Yusuf in Turkish and Persian contexts and Yousaf or Yousif in some South Asian communities. In English-speaking countries, Yusef and Yusuf are common variants.

Notable people named Yusef include Yusef Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, the British-born musician who adopted the name after embracing Islam; Yusef Lateef, an American jazz multi-instrumentalist and composer; Yusef Komunyakaa, an American poet and 1994 Pulitzer Prize winner; and Yusef Salaam, a civil rights advocate and former member of the Central Park Five. The name remains widely used across genders and generations, reflecting its enduring cultural and religious resonance.