Moussa
Meaningform of Moses · Arabic
Moussa is an African and Arabic boy name meaning “form of Moses”. Arabic names are often chosen for a virtue or a blessing parents hope their child will carry. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- GenerationMoussa peaked in 2013, which makes it a Gen Alpha name. The typical Moussa you'd meet today is about 12 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Moussa would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 43,860 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryMoussa first shows up in US birth records in 1988, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 37 years since.
US births per million boys, 1988–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Moussa
Moussa is a boy name of African and Arabic origin meaning “form of Moses”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It hit its peak in the 2010s and is climbing again now. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:African namesArabic names
More African boy names
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Boy name: Omari · long-lived
- Boy name: Ermias · form of Jeremiah
- Boy name: Jabari · brave, fearless
- Boy name: Paulo · small
- Unisex name: Amani · peace
Questions about the name Moussa
What does the name Moussa mean?
Moussa means “form of Moses” and comes from Arabic. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Mussie (“form of Moses”).
What is the origin of the name Moussa?
Moussa is African and Arabic in origin. Names often travel between languages and cultures, which is why Moussa turns up in more than one tradition. Other African names to consider are Cairo (“the victorious”), Asa (“healer”), Zaire (“river”) and Omari (“long-lived”).
Is Moussa a boy or girl name?
Moussa is a boy name. In 2025, 39 US boys were named Moussa.
How popular is the name Moussa?
Moussa ranked #3,089 for US boys in 2025, given to 39 babies. Its best year was 2013, when it reached #2,594. Over the last five years it has climbed 113 places.
What names are similar to Moussa?
If you like Moussa, you might also like Mussie.
What should I know before naming my baby Moussa?
Moussa is an African and Arabic boy name meaning “form of Moses”. Arabic names are often chosen for a virtue or a blessing parents hope their child will carry. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.