Shariff
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 572 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Arabic.
Shariff is a boy's baby name of Arabic origin, from the Arabic sharīf, meaning 'noble,' 'honorable,' or 'distinguished.' In Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, Sharif is a title of honor given to descendants of the Prophet Muhammad and to those of noble character.
Shariff carries the deep cultural resonance of an honorific name — one that expresses both genealogical distinction and moral aspiration. It is used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities worldwide, carrying centuries of respect in a single word.
EtymologyShow more
Shariff first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1970. Arriving in the 1970s, Shariff appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Arabic classification suggests a path from arabic linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Shariff has 43+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1970.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 24 | #12165 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 71 | #9709 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 149 | #4664 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 183 | #2936 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 145 | #3127 | — |
The Story of Shariff
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1983, Shariff is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Shariff are most likely born between 1973 and 1993.
How rare is Shariff?
With 572 total births on record, Shariff remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1970, peaked in the 1980s with 183 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Shariff by the numbers
- Would fill 12 school buses
- Meeting one Shariff per day would take 1.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(43 years, 1970–2015)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 | #10446 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13746 |
| 2012 | 5 | #13891 |
| 2010 | 7 | #10576 |
| 2009 | 6 | #12244 |
| 2008 | 8 | #9721 |
| 2007 | 11 | #7504 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13687 |
| 2005 | 6 | #11244 |
| 2004 | 6 | #11137 |
| 2002 | 7 | #9236 |
| 2001 | 11 | #6371 |
| 2000 | 11 | #6241 |
| 1999 | 8 | #7756 |
| 1998 | 20 | #3684 |
| 1997 | 12 | #5228 |
| 1996 | 9 | #6405 |
| 1995 | 18 | #3670 |
| 1994 | 17 | #3880 |
| 1993 | 17 | #3791 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shariff a boy's or girl's name?
When was Shariff most popular?
How popular is the name Shariff?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1970–2015