Shareef Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: sha-REEF //ʃəˈriːf//
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: noble; Swahili: honorable
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shareef is derived from the Arabic root "sharafa," which means "to be noble" or "to be elevated." This etymology reflects a lineage of honor and respect, as the term is often associated with nobility and high social status in Arabic-speaking cultures. The name has been transliterated into various forms, including Sharif, and has made its way into English through historical interactions with Arabic-speaking populations, particularly during the periods of trade and cultural exchange in the Middle Ages and the later colonial era.
Historically, the title "Sharif" has been used to denote descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly in regions like the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. This connection to the Prophet has endowed the name with significant religious and cultural weight, especially among Muslims.
The title was notably used in the context of the Sharif of Mecca, who governed the holy city and was a prominent figure in Islamic history from the 10th century until the early 20th century. The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including Islamic literature and historical accounts of the Arab world.
Culturally, the name Shareef carries connotations of integrity, virtue, and leadership, making it a respected choice in many communities. The name's association with nobility and moral uprightness has allowed it to endure through generations, often being bestowed upon individuals who are seen as role models or leaders within their families or societies.
In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Sharif may be used affectionately, though the full name retains its formal significance. Overall, Shareef encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural importance, reflecting values that resonate across various societies.
Famous people named Shareef
In this section, you will find notable people named Shareef. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Shareef who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Shareef who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Vancouver Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings.
Shareef O'Neal is a basketball player best known for playing college basketball at LSU and being the son of Shaquille O'Neal.
Shareef Ali is a notable figure in the field of Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Shareef, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Shareef. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shareef was first seen in the United States in 1974.
Shareef has ranked as high as #4134 nationally, which occurred in 1997, and has been most popular in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Shareef has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Shareef is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Shareef was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Shareef.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 9 |
| 2024 | 7 | 7 |
| 2023 | 8 | 8 |
| 2022 | 8 | 8 |
| 2021 | 15 | 15 |
| 2020 | 19 | 19 |
| 2019 | 28 | 28 |
| 2018 | 13 | 13 |
| 2017 | 13 | 13 |
| 2016 | 14 | 14 |
| 2015 | 13 | 13 |
| 2014 | 19 | 19 |
| 2013 | 17 | 17 |
| 2012 | 20 | 20 |
| 2011 | 11 | 11 |
| 2010 | 12 | 12 |
| 2009 | 18 | 18 |
| 2008 | 21 | 21 |
| 2007 | 28 | 28 |
| 2006 | 25 | 25 |
| 2005 | 23 | 23 |
| 2004 | 22 | 22 |
| 2003 | 25 | 25 |
| 2002 | 28 | 28 |
| 2001 | 33 | 33 |
| 2000 | 44 | 44 |
| 1999 | 30 | 30 |
| 1998 | 39 | 39 |
| 1997 | 53 | 53 |
| 1996 | 47 | 47 |
| 1995 | 29 | 29 |
| 1994 | 27 | 27 |
| 1993 | 26 | 26 |
| 1992 | 14 | 14 |
| 1991 | 23 | 23 |
| 1990 | 26 | 26 |
| 1989 | 19 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 | 17 |
| 1987 | 25 | 25 |
| 1986 | 21 | 21 |
| 1985 | 30 | 30 |
| 1984 | 18 | 18 |
| 1983 | 21 | 21 |
| 1982 | 23 | 23 |
| 1981 | 30 | 30 |
| 1980 | 38 | 38 |
| 1979 | 27 | 27 |
| 1978 | 30 | 30 |
| 1977 | 33 | 33 |
| 1976 | 27 | 27 |
| 1975 | 16 | 16 |
| 1974 | 14 | 14 |
Top States for Shareef (2012)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| PA | 5 |