Shariff Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: sha-RIFF /ʃəˈrɪf/
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: noble; Swahili: leader
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shariff has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the term "sharif," which means "noble" or "honorable." This term is historically significant in Islamic culture, often used to denote individuals of noble lineage, particularly those descended from the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali. The name entered English usage through various historical interactions with Arabic-speaking cultures, particularly during the Middle Ages when trade and scholarship flourished between Europe and the Islamic world.
Historically, the title of Shariff was conferred upon leaders and notable figures in Islamic societies, particularly in regions such as the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. One of the most notable historical figures bearing this title was Sharif Hussein bin Ali, who played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule during World War I in the early 20th century.
His lineage and the title of Shariff have continued to hold cultural significance, symbolizing leadership and moral authority within Islamic communities. The name Shariff also resonates with themes of nobility and respect, often associated with qualities such as integrity and honor.
In various Islamic traditions, the name is revered, and its bearers are often expected to uphold high moral standards. The name's association with nobility has allowed it to endure through centuries, maintaining its cultural relevance.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as Sharif can be found in various cultures, further emphasizing its adaptability and continued significance.
Famous people named Shariff
In this section, you will find notable people named Shariff. 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 Shariff who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Shariff 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.
Shariff Abdullah is an author and speaker best known for Creating a World That Works for All, The Power of the Heart, and The New World of Work.
Shariff Akbar is a professional basketball player best known for his time with the University of Oregon and various international teams.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Shariff, 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 Shariff. 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 Shariff was first seen in the United States in 1970.
Shariff has ranked as high as #4489 nationally, which occurred in 1983, and has been most popular in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Shariff has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Shariff 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 Shariff 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 Shariff.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 | 7 |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 |
| 2012 | 5 | 5 |
| 2010 | 7 | 7 |
| 2009 | 6 | 6 |
| 2008 | 8 | 8 |
| 2007 | 11 | 11 |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 |
| 2005 | 6 | 6 |
| 2004 | 6 | 6 |
| 2002 | 7 | 7 |
| 2001 | 11 | 11 |
| 2000 | 11 | 11 |
| 1999 | 8 | 8 |
| 1998 | 20 | 20 |
| 1997 | 12 | 12 |
| 1996 | 9 | 9 |
| 1995 | 18 | 18 |
| 1994 | 17 | 17 |
| 1993 | 17 | 17 |
| 1992 | 10 | 10 |
| 1991 | 20 | 20 |
| 1990 | 18 | 18 |
| 1989 | 24 | 24 |
| 1988 | 23 | 23 |
| 1987 | 14 | 14 |
| 1986 | 14 | 14 |
| 1985 | 11 | 11 |
| 1984 | 18 | 18 |
| 1983 | 30 | 30 |
| 1982 | 18 | 18 |
| 1981 | 16 | 16 |
| 1980 | 15 | 15 |
| 1979 | 21 | 21 |
| 1978 | 25 | 25 |
| 1977 | 20 | 20 |
| 1976 | 18 | 18 |
| 1975 | 13 | 13 |
| 1974 | 11 | 11 |
| 1973 | 5 | 5 |
| 1972 | 11 | 11 |
| 1971 | 14 | 14 |
| 1970 | 7 | 7 |
Top States for Shariff (2008)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |