Find out how popular the first name Cherif has been for the last 16 years (from 2009 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cherif by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Cherif is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cherif.

The history of the first name Cherif

The name Cherif has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with roots dating back to the 7th century CE. It is derived from the Arabic word "sharif," which means "noble" or "respected." This word has its roots in the Semitic root "sh-r-f," which means "to be elevated" or "to be of high rank."

In the early days of Islam, the title "Sharif" was used to refer to descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib. These individuals were considered part of the nobility and held a special status within the Islamic community. Over time, the name Cherif became a popular given name among Muslims, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Cherif dates back to the 8th century, when a prominent Islamic scholar and jurist named Cherif al-Idrissi lived in present-day Morocco. He was known for his contributions to the study of Islamic law and jurisprudence.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cherif. In the 12th century, Cherif al-Din al-Tusi was a renowned Persian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of trigonometry and planetary motion.

In the 15th century, Cherif al-Mrisi was a famous explorer and cartographer from Morocco. He is credited with producing one of the earliest known world maps, which significantly influenced the European understanding of geography at the time.

During the Ottoman Empire, Cherif Pasha was a prominent military leader and governor who lived in the late 16th century. He played a crucial role in the Ottoman conquest of Egypt and served as the governor of several provinces within the empire.

In more recent times, Cherif Guellal was an Algerian politician and activist who fought for the independence of Algeria from French colonial rule in the mid-20th century. He served as the first president of the National Liberation Front (FLN) and played a pivotal role in the Algerian revolution.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Cherif, reflecting its deep roots in Arabic culture and its association with nobility, respect, and leadership.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cherif was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cherif, please contact us.

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