mustafa

Mustafa is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It derives from al-Mustafa, meaning "the chosen one" or "the selected one." In Islamic usage, al-Mustafa is an epithet of the Prophet Muhammad, reflecting the belief that he is God's chosen messenger. The name is widely used across the Muslim world and among diaspora communities.

The name appears in many languages with various transliterations, including Mustafa, Mostafa, Mustapha, and Mustafá. The Turkish form Mustafa is common in Turkey and among Turkish communities; Persian and Urdu-speaking populations often render it as Mostafa or Mustafa. Variants such as Mustapha are also found in North Africa and parts of the Arab world due to French linguistic influence.

Several historic figures have borne the name, including Ottoman rulers Mustafa I and Mustafa II. The best-known contemporary bearer is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938), founder of the Republic of Turkey. The name remains a frequent choice for boys in the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.

Beyond given names, Mustafa may appear as a surname in some families. Variants such as Mustapha are common in North Africa and parts of the Arab world due to French spelling conventions.