Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Mustafa
BoyArabic, Turkish· “the chosen one”
- Meaning
- the chosen one
- Origin
- Arabic, Turkish
- Pronunciation
- moos-TAH-fuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #761
- US babies 2025
- 339
- Best rank
- #761 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Mustafa
Mustafa is an Arabic and Turkish name that means “the chosen one”.
Mustafa is an Arabic name meaning "the chosen one," from a root associated with purity. It is one of the epithets of the Prophet Muhammad, and it is widely used across the Muslim world. The name was borne by several Ottoman sultans and by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Mustafa has a strong, dignified sound and a meaning that suggests honor and purpose. Spellings such as Mostafa and Moustafa are common, depending on the region and language.
Popularity over time
Mustafa first appears in US Social Security records in 1963. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 17 different years, starting in 2001. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #761, and its highest count, 339 babies. Use has grown 42% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,197 in 1980, #1,011 in 2000, #1,095 in 2010, and #761 in 2025. Of the 7,373 US boys named Mustafa since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,636 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ayan, Santos, Izael, Teo, and Matheo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mustafa ranked highest in Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #410 | 14 |
| New York | #416 | 42 |
| New Jersey | #425 | 19 |
| Connecticut | #476 | 6 |
| Illinois | #497 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Mustafa is usually pronounced moos-TAH-fuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-fa”.
Middle names for Mustafa
A few middle names that flow with Mustafa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mustafa
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Lists that include Mustafa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mustafa mean?
Mustafa is an Arabic and Turkish name that means “the chosen one”.
What is the origin of the name Mustafa?
Mustafa has Arabic and Turkish roots. Mustafa is an Arabic name meaning "the chosen one," from a root associated with purity.
Is Mustafa a popular name?
Yes. Mustafa ranked #761 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Mustafa a boy or girl name?
Mustafa is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Mustafa?
Mustafa is usually pronounced moos-TAH-fuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings