Find out how popular the first name Shareef has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shareef by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Shareef is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shareef.

The history of the first name Shareef

The given name Shareef originates from the Arabic language and culture, with its roots tracing back to the 7th century AD during the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. The word "Shareef" itself is derived from the Arabic term "Sharif," which means noble, distinguished, or honorable.

In the early days of Islam, the title "Sharif" was bestowed upon those who were direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Prophet's family members were considered the most noble and respected individuals in the Islamic community, and the name Shareef became a symbol of this exalted status.

The name Shareef can be found in various historical texts and Islamic scriptures, including the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). One notable early example is Shareef Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who played a crucial role in the early spread of Islam and is revered by both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Throughout history, several prominent figures bore the name Shareef, including Shareef Idrissi (1782-1837), a Moroccan explorer and diplomat who traveled extensively in Africa and wrote about his journeys. Shareef Ali Khan (1822-1881) was a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics.

In the realm of literature, Shareef Qamar (1924-1983) was a celebrated Urdu poet and writer from Pakistan, known for his profound and thought-provoking poetry. Shareef Husayn (1858-1932), an Egyptian scholar and writer, played a pivotal role in the Arab Renaissance (Nahda) movement, advocating for cultural and literary revitalization in the Arab world.

Another notable figure was Shareef Abdur Rahman (1891-1959), a prominent Indian Muslim leader and statesman who served as the first Prime Minister of the Dominion of Pakistan after the country's independence in 1947.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the honorable name Shareef, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural and religious significance within the Arabic and Islamic traditions.

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 Shareef was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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