Sharif
Sharif is a boy's name of Arabic origin.
Meaning
Noble, honorable, or exalted.
Origin and history
Sharif is a classic Arabic name meaning noble, honorable, or highborn. Historically used as a title of honor for descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, it became widely adopted as a given name across the Muslim world. In the United States, it remains a distinctive choice with steady, moderate usage.
Popularity in the United States
2,685 babies in the United States have been named Sharif since 1880. It ranks #2501 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1828.
States where it is most popular
- NY (43.5 %)
- PA (23.7 %)
- NJ (20.6 %)
- CA (9.4 %)
- TX (0.99 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 41 |
| 1970-1980 | 538 |
| 1980-1990 | 643 |
| 1990-2000 | 679 |
| 2000-2010 | 436 |
| 2010-2019 | 249 |
| 2020-2029 | 99 |
Famous people named Sharif
- Sharif Atkins: Actor
- Sharif Finch: Athlete
Fun facts
- Before becoming a popular given name, Sharif was traditionally an honorific title given to guardians of Mecca and Medina.
- The name is widely used across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and among diaspora communities worldwide.