Sharif Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Sharif originates from Arabic, meaning noble or honorable. It evolved from the Arabic root 'sharafa' and has maintained its noble connotation throughout history. The name is often associated with individuals of high social status, particularly in Islamic culture. It has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the Middle Ages among those claiming noble lineage. Today, Sharif is perceived positively in modern contexts, associated with honor and respect, and has variants such as Sherif and Sharifah.
The name Sharif is most popular in New Jersey, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Sharif has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Sharif' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1333rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1327th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2515th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4626th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Sharif' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Sharif"
Pronunciation
/ʃəˈriːf/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Sharif is derived from the Arabic root 'sharafa,' which means 'to be noble' or 'to be highborn.' It is often used to denote someone of noble lineage or honor.
Meaning
noble, honorable
Language Evolution
Sharif, Sherif, Sharif
Historical Usage
The name Sharif became prominent in the Islamic world, especially among those claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. Its popularity increased during the Middle Ages.
Variants & Derivatives
Sherif, Sharifah (feminine form), Sherifah (feminine form)
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Sharif is commonly associated with nobility and respect, often used in various cultures around the world, particularly in Muslim communities.
Famous People
Sharif Ali bin al-Hussein - a prominent Jordanian royal, Sharif Eskandar - a notable musician, Omar Sharif - an acclaimed Egyptian actor
Explore More Sharif Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Sharif"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Sharif"
"Sharif" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1333rd of 10718 | 656 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1327th of 16616 | 1,052 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2515th of 24088 | 709 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4626th of 23106 | 256 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Sharif" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
16.54% 576th/3483 |
57.82% 2034th/3518 |
38.11% 1541st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
12.56% 562nd/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
29.65% 1873rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
68.16% 3123rd/4582 |
21.07% 1088th/5164 |
56.82% 4155th/7313 |
46.74% 3488th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
59.86% 2686th/4487 |
- |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Sharif" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Sharif"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Sharif" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.