Mustafa is an Arabic name that means chosen or selected by God. Mustafa is one of the most common names in the Islamic world, and is often given to boys born on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-Awwal, which is believed to be the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. The name Mustafa has been used by several notable historical figures, including the Ottoman Sultan Mustafa II, who ruled from 1695 to 1703, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of modern Turkey. Mustafa is also a common name among African Americans, particularly in the Muslim community. The name Mustafa has been associated with several positive traits, including leadership, wisdom, and piety. In Islamic tradition, Mustafa is considered one of the 99 names of God, and is often used in Sufi poetry and literature as a symbol of spiritual longing and devotion. Mustafa is also a popular name in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan, where it is often given to boys born into Muslim families. The name Mustafa has been used in various artistic works, including literature, music, and film. For example, the famous Pakistani poet Allama Iqbal wrote a poem called Mustafa, and the Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray directed a film called Mustafa. Mustafa is a versatile name that can be used in different contexts and cultures, and has been adapted into various languages, including Turkish, Urdu, and Bengali. In recent years, the name Mustafa has gained popularity in the Western world, particularly in the United States, where it has been chosen by several celebrity parents, including the actor Will Smith and the singer Alicia Keys.

The root form of Mustafa is Mustafa — meaning Chosen One.

Mustafa remains a beloved choice, ranking #242 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.