Youssif is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the name Yusuf, which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Yosef. The name Yusuf/Yosef means "he will add" or "he shall increase". This name has a significant historical background as it was borne by several notable figures in history.
The most famous bearer of this name is undoubtedly Prophet Yusuf (-Joseph), one of the prophets in Islam, and also a significant figure in Christianity and Judaism. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Yusuf was the son of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob) and his favorite wife Rachel. He was known for his beauty and intelligence, which led to jealousy from his brothers who eventually sold him into slavery.
Despite his trials, Yusuf rose through the ranks to become the second-in-command to Pharaoh in Egypt, where he interpreted dreams and saved the country from a severe famine. His story is recounted in detail in the Quran's 12th chapter, named after him, Surah Yusuf.
Beyond this religious context, the name Youssif has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history. For instance, Youssif ibn Tashfin was a Berber king who founded the Almoravid dynasty that controlled Morocco and Andalusia in the 11th century.
In more recent times, Youssif is also known as a popular given name among Muslims worldwide, often used to honor Prophet Yusuf or as a reflection of Islamic faith. It remains a name rich in history, culture, and spiritual significance.
Statistics for the name Youssif show a somewhat steady pattern of usage over the past decade in the United States. Between 2007 and 2017, there were a total of 34 babies named Youssif born annually. The highest number of births occurred in 2016 with 8 newborns being given this name. However, the majority of years saw an average of around 5-6 births per year. This suggests that while not extremely popular, the name Youssif is still used consistently within the U.S. over time.