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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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Shareef Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shareef Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shareef Claire
French influence · crisp
Shareef Jane
Literary · strong
Shareef Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shareef right now?
Rising fast — up 96 spots — currently #9598 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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Shareef (Quranic figure)
Shareef appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
S(
Shareef (Islamic scholar)
Shareef bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
S(
Shareef (historical Arab ruler)
Shareef held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Shareef (Sufi mystic)
Shareef used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Shareef?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shareef also consider these
How is Shareef written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Shareef?
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.