Mustafa

Etymology

Mustafo is an Arabic male name meaning “chosen”, “favored”, or “purified”. It derives from the Arabic word “مصطفى” (Muṣṭafā), and has historically been used as an honorable epithet for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Islamic tradition and classical religious literature.

Geographic Usage

The name Mustafo (often spelled as Mustafa) is widely used in the Muslim world, especially in countries such as Turkey, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and among Muslim communities globally. In English-speaking regions, it is most common among immigrant Muslim families.

Significance

Parents who choose the name Mustafo often do so as a way of honoring the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was referred to as “al-Muṣṭafā” — the chosen one. The name reflects hope for spiritual purity, divine favor, and noble character in the child.

Popularity

While the spelling “Mustafa” is more widespread globally, the form “Mustafo” may appear in Central Asian and East African Muslim communities. The name is moderately popular in regions with strong Islamic heritage, including Turkey, the Balkans, and parts of Africa.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, Mustafo is considered one of the most popular male names. According to the State Committee on Statistics, in recent years this name has ranked among the top 10 most popular male names in the country.

Source: Kun.uz article

Variants

Alternative forms and spellings include: Mustafa, Mostafa, Mustapha. Related names: Muhammad, Ahmad, Mahmud.