"noble, honorable, eminent"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Sharif
Pronunciation: [ sh-er-EEF ]
Does Sharif flow with your last name?
An Arabic name of noble prophetic lineage
Arabic
Islamic
Middle Eastern
African
Strong
Noble
Spiritual
Elegant
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Sharif
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"descendant of the Prophet Muhammad"
Origin: Islamic title
Language: Arabic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Sounds similar to Sheriff, the English law enforcement title — occasionally leads to wordplay or confusion in English-speaking contexts
The Story of Sharif
Sharif comes from the Arabic root sh-r-f meaning to be noble, eminent, or honorable. It is both a given name and a hereditary title in Islamic tradition — a Sharif is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima, making it one of the most honorable lineages in Islam. The title Sharif was historically given to the ruling family of Mecca, making this name deeply connected to Islamic heritage and prophetic lineage.
Sharif has been a popular given name across Arabic-speaking and Muslim-majority countries for centuries. In the West, it gained recognition partly through Egyptian-British actor Omar Sharif (born Michel Chalhoub), who adopted the name and became internationally famous through films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago in the 1960s.
In Islamic tradition, the Sharif of Mecca was the ruler of the holy city and guardian of the holy mosques — a position of immense religious prestige. The Al-Sharif family lineage traces to the Prophet Muhammad. In Morocco and other North African countries, the plural Shurafa refers to people of this noble descent.
Historical Record
Sharif first appeared in US Social Security records in 1963.
Over 2,678 babies have been named Sharif in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Sharif is past its peak , currently ranked #5,260 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Sharif is not only a name but a historic Islamic title — the Sharif of Mecca was the guardian of Islam's holiest city for centuries
- Actor Omar Sharif, born Michel Chalhoub, adopted this Arabic name when he converted to Islam and became one of Hollywood's biggest stars of the 1960s
Sharif in Other Languages
Urdu
شریف
Arabic
شريف
Persian
شریف
Swahili
Sharif
Turkish
Şerif
Popularity Over Time
#5,260
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1977
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Sharif
O
Omar Sharif
Actor
1932
Egyptian-British actor internationally famous for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago
S
Sharif Hussein bin Ali
Royalty
1854
Sharif of Mecca who launched the Arab Revolt of 1916 against Ottoman rule, with British support
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,260
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Islamic Middle Eastern African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Shaz
Reef
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Sharif
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Sharif is also used as a girl name, ranked #62268.
View Sharif as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sharif
What does the name Sharif mean?
"noble, honorable, eminent" (from Arabic). "descendant of the Prophet Muhammad" (from Islamic title). Sharif comes from the Arabic root sh-r-f meaning to be noble, eminent, or honorable. It is both a given name and a hereditary title in Islamic tradition — a Sharif is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima, making it one of the most honorable lineages in Islam. The title Sharif was historically given to the ruling family of Mecca, making this name deeply connected to Islamic heritage and prophetic lineage.
What is the origin of the name Sharif?
Sharif has Arabic, Islamic title, Islamic, Middle Eastern, and African origins. In Arabic, it means "noble, honorable, eminent". In Islamic title, it means "descendant of the Prophet Muhammad".
Is Sharif a boy or girl name?
Sharif is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5260. As a girl name, it is ranked #62268. Sharif is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Sharif?
Sharif is pronounced sh-er-EEF.
How popular is the name Sharif?
Sharif is currently ranked #5260 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sharif?
Common nicknames for Sharif include Shaz and Reef.
What are good middle names for Sharif?
Popular middle name pairings include Sharif Ali, Sharif Hassan, Sharif Ibrahim, Sharif Omar, and Sharif Yusuf.
What are good sibling names for Sharif?
Names that pair well with Sharif as siblings include Kareem, Amir, Leila, Fatima, and Hassan.
How many syllables does Sharif have?
Sharif has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Sharif a common or rare name?
Sharif is an uncommon name, ranked #5260 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Sharif?
Are there other spellings for Sharif?
Related spellings include Sharvil.
About the Name Sharif
Sharif is a boy name with Arabic, Islamic, Middle Eastern, and African origins . The name means "noble, honorable, eminent" in Arabic .
Is Sharif a boy or girl name? Sharif is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,260 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #62,268. Sharif is more commonly used as a boy name.
Sharif is currently ranked #5,260 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Sharif has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-er-EEF, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Sharif include Shaz and Reef. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Sharif include Sharvil . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis