عثمان

Usman

boyArabicMuslim

Usman is a Muslim boy name of Arabic, Urdu / Hausa form origin, meaning “Young bustard; the third caliph's name”.

MeaningYoung bustard; the third caliph's name
GenderBoy
OriginArabic, Urdu / Hausa form
Written asعثمان
PronunciationOOS-maan
TraditionMuslim
Used inPakistan, India, Nigeria

Meaning and origin of Usman

Usman is ʿUthmān as it is said in South Asia and West Africa, since speakers of Urdu and Hausa turn the Arabic thāʾ into an s. The word itself is usually explained as a young bustard, a large ground bird. Parents give the name to honour ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, the third caliph, under whose leadership the standard text of the Quran was compiled. Nigerians also associate it with Shehu Usman dan Fodio.

Is Usman a Muslim name?

In Urdu and Hausa this is how Uthman is said, so the name honours the third caliph of Islam.

How popular is Usman?

It is very common in Pakistan, India and northern Nigeria.

Gifts with the name Usman

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Spellings and variants of Usman

Names similar to Usman

More Muslim boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Usman mean?

Usman means 'Young bustard; the third caliph's name'. It is of Arabic, Urdu / Hausa form origin.

Is Usman a Muslim name?

In Urdu and Hausa this is how Uthman is said, so the name honours the third caliph of Islam.

How do you pronounce Usman?

Usman is pronounced OOS-maan.

Is Usman a boy or girl name?

Usman is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.