Shareef

“noble, honorable” — Associated with descendants of the Prophet Muhammad

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9598US 2023

8Births / yr

↑Rising

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 197400

How to pronounce Shareef

SHAH·REEF

/ˈʃɑ.ˈriːf/ · stress on SHAH · 2 syllables

“noble, honorable”

Associated with descendants of the Prophet Muhammad · Arabic origin

What does Shareef mean and where does it come from?

The name Shareef (شريف) has Arabic origins and is commonly used in Arabic-speaking countries. It signifies someone who is noble or honorable and has historically been associated with descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The name is prevalent among Muslim communities and is often given to boys as a s

Cultural significance

Shareef has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble, honorable.

Peak popularity

Reached #1591 in 1980 — currently #9598 in the US.

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How else can you spell Shareef?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Shareef?

Shareef works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Shareef Grace

How popular is Shareef right now?

Rising fast — up 96 spots — currently #9598 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#9598 · Top 7.1%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9598	8	▲ up 96
2022	#9694	8	▼ down 3715 · -47% births
2021	#5979	15	▼ down 1106 · -21% births
2020	#4873	19	▲ up 1540 · +46% births
2015	#6413	13	▲ up 405 · +8% births
2010	#6818	12	▼ down 2809 · -48% births
2005	#4009	23	▼ down 1762 · -48% births
2000	#2247	44	▲ up 351 · +52% births
1995	#2598	29	▲ up 13 · +12% births
1990	#2611	26	▼ down 598 · -10% births
1985	#2013	29	▼ down 422 · -24% births
1980	#1591	38	▲ up 1049 · +138% births
1975	#2640	16	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shareef

Best Year1980Rank #1591

Peak Count44

Average Rank#4699

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Shareef

Shareef is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 1,148 total births recorded, Shareef remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2640 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9598 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shareef in 1980:

Michael Christopher Jason David James

Shareef by decade

Shareef peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	147
1980s	241
1990s ★	314
2000s	267
2010s	160
2020s	19

💎With 1,148 total births, Shareef is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Shareef?

Common

ShaSharSharieSharyAreef

Famous people named Shareef

Shareef (Quranic figure)

Shareef appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Shareef (Islamic scholar)

Shareef bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Shareef (historical Arab ruler)

Shareef held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Shareef (Sufi mystic)

Shareef used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

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What names sound and feel like Shareef?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shareef also consider these

Arabic · noble; honored

Shaheed

Arabic · martyr

Khaleef

Arabic · successor or steward

Haneef

Arabic · one who is

Sakeef

Arabic · one who seeks

Lateef

Arabic · kind, gentle, subtle,

How is Shareef written in other languages?

شريف

Arabic

What are the girl versions of Shareef?

Sharifa ARABIC Sharifah ARABIC Sharifah MALAY Şerife TURKISH

Common questions about the name Shareef

What does the name Shareef mean?

Shareef means "noble, honorable" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Shareef?

Shareef is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Shareef?

Shareef originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Shareef?

Shareef is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 R IY1 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Shareef a common or rare name?

Shareef is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.