Hussein Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: hoo-SAYN //huːˈseɪn//
Origin: Arabic; Persian
Meaning: Arabic: handsome; Persian: good
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Hussein is of Arabic origin, derived from the root word "ḥ-s-n," which means "good" or "handsome." The name is a diminutive form of the name Hasan, which itself means "good" or "benefactor." The transition of the name into English occurred through the influence of Arabic culture and language, particularly during the periods of trade and scholarship in the Middle Ages, as well as through the spread of Islam across various regions, including parts of Europe and Africa. Historically, the name Hussein is most notably associated with Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived during the 7th century.
Hussein is revered in Islamic tradition, particularly within Shia Islam, for his role in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where he became a martyr. This event is commemorated annually during the month of Muharram, particularly on the day of Ashura, highlighting Hussein's significance as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice.
His legacy has had a profound impact on Islamic culture and has inspired countless works of literature, art, and religious observance throughout the centuries. Culturally, the name Hussein carries connotations of nobility and virtue, often associated with leadership and moral integrity.
It has been used by various historical figures, including kings and leaders in the Arab world, reinforcing its status as a name of honor. The name's enduring presence in various cultures is a testament to its deep-rooted significance in Islamic history and its symbolic resonance in themes of sacrifice and righteousness.
The diminutive "Husayn" is also commonly used, particularly in Arabic-speaking regions, further illustrating the name's linguistic and cultural adaptability.
Famous people named Hussein
In this section, you will find notable people named Hussein. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Hussein who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Hussein who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Hussein Fatal was a rapper best known for his work with the group Outlawz and his solo album The Resurrection.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Hussein, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Hussein. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Hussein was first seen in the United States in 1967.
Hussein has ranked as high as #2874 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in Michigan, California, New York, Texas, and Minnesota.
In the past 5 years the name Hussein has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Hussein is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Hussein was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Hussein.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 83 | 83 |
| 2024 | 102 | 102 |
| 2023 | 108 | 108 |
| 2022 | 98 | 98 |
| 2021 | 99 | 99 |
| 2020 | 98 | 98 |
| 2019 | 83 | 83 |
| 2018 | 88 | 88 |
| 2017 | 127 | 127 |
| 2016 | 123 | 123 |
| 2015 | 135 | 135 |
| 2014 | 116 | 116 |
| 2013 | 115 | 115 |
| 2012 | 96 | 96 |
| 2011 | 95 | 95 |
| 2010 | 91 | 91 |
| 2009 | 111 | 111 |
| 2008 | 82 | 82 |
| 2007 | 91 | 91 |
| 2006 | 80 | 80 |
| 2005 | 84 | 84 |
| 2004 | 79 | 79 |
| 2003 | 82 | 82 |
| 2002 | 96 | 96 |
| 2001 | 73 | 73 |
| 2000 | 87 | 87 |
| 1999 | 71 | 71 |
| 1998 | 68 | 68 |
| 1997 | 62 | 62 |
| 1996 | 53 | 53 |
| 1995 | 63 | 63 |
| 1994 | 45 | 45 |
| 1993 | 47 | 47 |
| 1992 | 48 | 48 |
| 1991 | 41 | 41 |
| 1990 | 53 | 53 |
| 1989 | 40 | 40 |
| 1988 | 34 | 34 |
| 1987 | 28 | 28 |
| 1986 | 29 | 29 |
| 1985 | 29 | 29 |
| 1984 | 19 | 19 |
| 1983 | 23 | 23 |
| 1982 | 15 | 15 |
| 1981 | 19 | 19 |
| 1980 | 19 | 19 |
| 1979 | 14 | 14 |
| 1978 | 14 | 14 |
| 1977 | 13 | 13 |
| 1976 | 10 | 10 |
| 1974 | 9 | 9 |
| 1970 | 8 | 8 |
| 1967 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Hussein (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 38 | |
| NY | 9 | |
| TX | 8 | |
| CA | 7 | |
| AZ | 5 | |
| IL | 5 | |
| MN | 5 |