Sharifa Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: sha-REE-fah /ʃəˈriːfə/
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: noble; Swahili: honorable
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sharifa has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "sharif," which means "noble" or "honorable." This term is often associated with lineage, particularly in Islamic culture, where it denotes a person of noble descent, especially those claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad. The name Sharifa, therefore, carries connotations of dignity and respect, reflecting the values of honor and virtue in its cultural context.
The transition of the name into English likely occurred through colonial interactions and the spread of Islamic culture, particularly during the medieval period and the subsequent centuries of exploration and trade. Historically, the name Sharifa has been borne by various notable figures in Islamic history, including women of significance within the context of Islamic scholarship and leadership.
The 8th century saw the establishment of various dynasties in the Islamic world, where noble titles and names like Sharifa were used to denote status and lineage. The name has also appeared in various historical texts and literature, contributing to its recognition and use across different cultures influenced by Islam.
Culturally, Sharifa embodies ideals of nobility and virtue, making it a name of esteem in many Muslim communities. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, leadership, and moral integrity.
The name has been preserved through generations, reflecting the enduring values of honor and respect within the societies that embrace it. In some contexts, diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, but the core meaning and significance of Sharifa as a representation of nobility remain central to its identity.
Famous people named Sharifa
In this section, you will find notable people named Sharifa. 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 Sharifa who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Sharifa 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.
Sharifa Al-Obaidi is a singer best known for her performances in the Middle Eastern music scene.
Sharifa Bint Ali is a notable figure in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, recognized for her contributions to cultural heritage.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Sharifa, 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 Sharifa. 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 Sharifa was first seen in the United States in 1967.
Sharifa has ranked as high as #1092 nationally, which occurred in 1981, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Sharifa has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Sharifa 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 Sharifa was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Sharifa (1994)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 8 |
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 Sharifa.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1991 | 26 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1989 | 19 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1987 | 20 |
| 1986 | 19 |
| 1985 | 22 |
| 1984 | 17 |
| 1983 | 18 |
| 1982 | 27 |
| 1981 | 27 |
| 1980 | 23 |
| 1979 | 18 |
| 1978 | 23 |
| 1977 | 13 |
| 1976 | 25 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1974 | 23 |
| 1973 | 9 |
| 1972 | 6 |
| 1971 | 5 |
| 1970 | 5 |
| 1967 | 5 |