What does Sharief mean and where does it come from?
Sharief is derived from the Arabic word 'شريف' (Sharif), meaning noble or honorable. The name has significant cultural weight in Islamic countries, often used to denote a person of noble lineage or a respected individual within the community. In history, many leaders and dignitaries bore this title.
Cultural significance
Sharief has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #3873 in 1987 — currently #1013 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sharief?
Sharief works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sharief Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sharief Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sharief Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sharief Claire
French influence · crisp
Sharief Jane
Literary · strong
Sharief Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sharief right now?
Holding steady — currently #1013 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1013 | 1,187 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1018 | 1,167 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1023 | 1,137 | ▲ up 8448 · +18850% births |
| 2000 | #9471 | 6 | ▼ down 4186 · -45% births |
| 1995 | #5285 | 11 | ▲ up 1461 · +57% births |
| 1990 | #6746 | 7 | ▼ down 592 · +17% births |
| 1985 | #6154 | 6 | ▲ up 663 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #6817 | 5 | ▼ down 1543 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #5274 | 6 | ▲ up 130 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #5404 | 5 | — |
The story of Sharief
Sharief is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 187 total births recorded, Sharief remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5404 in 1970 to #1013 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sharief in 1987:
Sharief by decade
Sharief peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 25 | |
| 1980s | 45 | |
| 1990s ★ | 90 | |
| 2000s | 27 | |
💎Sharief has only 187 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Sharief?
Common
ShaSharSharieSharyArief
Famous people named Sharief
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Sharief (Quranic figure)
Sharief appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Sharief (Arab poet)
Sharief carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Sharief (Sufi mystic)
Sharief used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
S(
Sharief (Islamic scholar)
Sharief bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Sharief?
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Common questions about the name Sharief
What does the name Sharief mean?
Sharief means "Noble" — 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 Sharief?
Sharief is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Sharief?
Sharief 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.
Is Sharief a common or rare name?
Sharief is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Sharief a classic or a modern name?
Sharief has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.