Musa

Arabic form of Moses; the name’s earliest meaning is uncertain.

Musa is a masculine name in Arabic, written موسى, and the Arabic form of Moses. Its clearest association is with the prophet named in the Quran. This gives Musa a substantial traditional background within a very compact name. The familiar explanation “drawn from the water” comes from the biblical account of Moses being found as a child. It is an explanation attached to that story, rather than a literal Arabic translation of Musa. An Egyptian connection with a word for “child” has also been proposed; the name’s earliest meaning is not settled. In Arabic, Musa has two syllables, /ˈmuː.saː/, with both vowels long and an s sound as in “sun”. The rounded opening and open ending can give it a gentle, unhurried feel.

Etymology: Musa represents Arabic موسى (Mūsā), the name of the prophet Moses in the Quran. The older name is linked with Hebrew Moshe; its deeper etymology is disputed.