"fertile plain, coastal plain of Sharon"
Sharon
Pronunciation: [ sh-AR-uhn ]
Midcentury American classic with biblical roots
Meaning & Origin
"rose of Sharon (biblical flower)"
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the 1960s–70s generation; may feel dated to younger parents
- Informal British slang 'Sharon' is used to describe a stereotypical working-class woman (mildly pejorative in UK)
The Story of Sharon
Sharon is taken from the Hebrew 'Sharon' (שָׁרוֹן), referring to the fertile coastal plain of Sharon in Israel, mentioned in the Song of Solomon ('I am the rose of Sharon'). It became a popular given name in the English-speaking world in the early-to-mid 20th century, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom, though its peak has passed.
Sharon was one of the most common American girls' names in the 1940s–1960s, ranking in the top 10 at its peak. Its decline since the 1980s mirrors the pattern of many midcentury favorites. It remains a name associated with the Baby Boomer generation.
The 'rose of Sharon' from the Song of Solomon gave the name biblical resonance. In Israel, Sharon is also a male name (most notably Prime Minister Ariel Sharon). In popular culture, it remains associated with midcentury America.
Fun Facts
- Sharon was the #2 girls' name in the US in 1943
- Ariel Sharon, Israeli Prime Minister (2001–2006), shares this biblical place-name
- The 'rose of Sharon' in the Bible refers to a flower in the fertile Sharon plain
Sharon in Other Languages
Famous People Named Sharon
Sharon Stone
Actor
1958
American actress and film producer, known for Basic Instinct
Sharon Osbourne
Entertainer
1952
British television personality, music manager, and wife of Ozzy Osbourne
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,230
- Total SSA Count
- 190
- Cultural Origins
- English American Jewish Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Sharon is also used as a boy name, ranked #19958.
View Sharon as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sharon
What does the name Sharon mean?
What is the origin of the name Sharon?
Is Sharon a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Sharon?
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About the Name Sharon
Sharon is a girl name with English, American, Jewish, and Israeli origins . The name means "fertile plain, coastal plain of Sharon" in Hebrew .
Is Sharon a boy or girl name? Sharon is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,230 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,958. Sharon is more commonly used as a girl name.
Sharon is currently ranked #1,230 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Sharon has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-AR-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Sharon include Sheri, Shari, and Shaz. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Sharon include Sharlotte . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.