What does Shariff mean and where does it come from?
Shariff (also spelled as Sharif) is an Arabic name that implies nobility or honor. Traditionally, it is given to descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a prestigious title. The name is particularly common in Arabic-speaking countries and among Muslim populations. Its first recorded use can b
Cultural significance
Shariff has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #1853 in 1983 — currently #1236 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shariff?
Shariff works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shariff Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shariff Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shariff Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shariff Claire
French influence · crisp
Shariff Jane
Literary · strong
Shariff Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shariff right now?
Holding steady — currently #1236 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1236 | 964 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1241 | 944 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1246 | 914 | ▲ up 8556 · +12957% births |
| 2015 | #9802 | 7 | ▲ up 123 |
| 2010 | #9925 | 7 | ▲ up 548 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #10473 | 6 | ▼ down 4408 · -45% births |
| 2000 | #6065 | 11 | ▼ down 2440 · -39% births |
| 1995 | #3625 | 18 | ▼ down 219 |
| 1990 | #3406 | 18 | ▲ up 567 · +64% births |
| 1985 | #3973 | 11 | ▼ down 910 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #3063 | 15 | ▼ down 15 · +15% births |
| 1975 | #3048 | 13 | ▲ up 1175 · +86% births |
| 1970 | #4223 | 7 | — |
The story of Shariff
Shariff is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 572 total births recorded, Shariff remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4223 in 1970 to #1236 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shariff in 1983:
Shariff by decade
Shariff peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 145 | |
| 1980s ★ | 183 | |
| 1990s | 149 | |
| 2000s | 71 | |
| 2010s | 24 | |
💎Shariff has only 572 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shariff?
Common
ShaSharSharieSharyAriff
Famous people named Shariff
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Shariff (Quranic figure)
Shariff appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Shariff (historical Arab ruler)
Shariff held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Shariff (Sufi mystic)
Shariff used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
S(
Shariff (Islamic scholar)
Shariff bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Shariff?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shariff also consider these
Common questions about the name Shariff
What does the name Shariff mean?
Shariff means "Arabic" — 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 Shariff?
Shariff 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 Shariff?
Shariff 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 Shariff?
Shariff is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 R IH1 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shariff a common or rare name?
Shariff is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.