Surname Yousuf - Meaning and Origin
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Yousuf: What does the surname Yousuf mean?
The last name Yousuf is a patronymic name derived from the Arabic name, Yusuf. In English translation, Yusuf means “God will increase/add." Historically, the name Yusuf was most commonly associated with the Prophet Yusuf (also known as Joseph, in the Bible).
The origin of the name Yousuf is likely a combination of the name Yusuf along with other linguistic influences. Yousuf is primarily found amongst Muslims throughout the Middle East, shouldering popularity, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, and Syria.
Etymologically, the name Yousuf was derived from the Hebrew terms, 'yosef' or 'yousef' which means "God will increase." The Arabic spelling of the name was adopted to express its uniqueness. This expression of the name then spread throughout the Middle East, growing in importance in relation to the religious figure Yusuf, making it popular amongst Muslims.
Yousuf is considered a very important name in the Middle Eastern culture, reflecting a sense of faith in divine providence. The name serves as an important reminder of the powerful love and support of God. Not only this, but having a name with religious roots conveys a strength of character, indicating traits such as generosity, kindness, respect, and loyalty. Those who share this surname can consider themselves part of a rich and meaningful history.
Order DNA origin analysisYousuf: Where does the name Yousuf come from?
The surname Yousuf is commonly found in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. It is especially prevalent in countries like Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, where the Islamic faith is heavily practiced.
The etymology of Yousuf is traced to the biblical figure prophet Joseph who was popularly known as Yousuf in Islamic tradition. The name itself means “God increases His favor”. The popularity of the name in these regions is largely credited to Yousuf’s significance in Islamic tradition.
Today, Yousuf is one of the most beloved names of Islamic culture. There are many prominent personalities who share the surname including Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, American-Egyptian actor Omar Yousuf, artist Sachin Yousuf, and former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The surname Yousuf can also be seen in other parts of the world like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. These are largely attributed to the results of post-WWII immigration of Muslims to western countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, Yousuf is a relatively common name among British Pakistanis who are descended from Muslim immigrants who arrived in the UK during the 1950s and 1960s.
In conclusion, the surname Yousuf is widely popular today and can be found in numerous countries and regions of the world with a particularly strong presence in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
Variations of the surname Yousuf
Yousuf is a variant and spelling of the surname "Yusef" which stems from an Arabic origin. Depending on region, Yousuf can also be spelled as Yosuf, Youssef, Yossef, Yousef, Jozef, Yusof, Yusuf, Yosief, Yoosef, and Yuesef.
Other cultural variations of Yousuf include Youssouf, Ioussouf, Yussuf, Youcef, and Yusef. The various spellings of Yousuf generally stem from a scriptural name of Yusuf, meaning “God will add,” or “God will increase,” and can be found in both the Bible and Quran.
In some cases, the same origin and spelling can have different surnames. For example, in Arabic Yousuf could be al-Yousuf or Yusuf, while in French it could be Youssef or Youssouf. The surname Yousuf can also take on a Hungarian or Jewish form such as József or Yosef.
Within the same region, different variants of the surname can even lead to different spellings. For example, in India, Yousuf can be spelled Yousufi, Yusufi, Yussufi, or Yousuf.
Given the many spellings of the surname Yousuf, it is important to consider the origin when researching family history. Even though different spellings may imply diverse origins, tracing the surname to its common ancestor can help to gain more insight into its history.
Famous people with the name Yousuf
- Mohammad Yousuf (cricketer): Mohammad Yousuf is a former Pakistani cricketer who played for Pakistan in Tests and ODIs. He is considered one of the best batsmen Pakistan has ever produced.
- Sohail Yousuf (cricketer): Sohail Yousuf is a former Pakistani cricketer who also played at the international level. He is the brother of former national record-holder batsman Mohammad Yousuf.
- Yasir Yousuf (cricketer): Yasir Yousuf is a Pakistani cricketer who currently plays in the domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut for Lahore Blues in 2012.
- Zaid Yousuf (cricketer): Zaid Yousuf is a Pakistani cricketer who plays in the domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut for KRL in 2010.
- Akram Yousuf (footballer): Akram Yousuf is a Pakistani footballer who currently plays for Baloch FC in the Pakistan Premier League.
- Ansar Yousuf (footballer): Ansar Yousuf is a Pakistani footballer who played for FC Basel in the Swiss Super League before moving to Malaysian side Pahang FA in 2016.
- Fahad Yousuf (cricketer): Fahad Yousuf is a Pakistani cricketer who plays in the domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut for Peshawar in 2016.
- Haris Yousuf (footballer): Haris Yousuf is a Pakistani footballer who currently plays for WAPDA in the Pakistan Premier League.
- Ijaz Yousuf (footballer): Ijaz Yousuf is a Pakistani footballer who currently plays for Afghan FC in the Afghan Premier League.
- Imran Yousuf (footballer): Imran Yousuf is a Pakistani footballer who plays for Jaffna Stallions in the Sri Lankan Premier League.