Surname Sharif - Meaning and Origin

Sharif: What does the surname Sharif mean?

Sharif is a traditional Arabic name that translates to "noble" or "high-born" in English. This surname is often bestowed upon individuals who are recognized for their honor, integrity, and distinguished character. Moreover, it also carries significant religious connotations in Islam. It is commonly associated with descendants of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, particularly through his grandsons Hassan and Hussein who were the sons of his daughter Fatimah and cousin Ali. In this context, the name Sharif signifies spiritual nobility and lineage. Notably, the title is used throughout the Islamic world, among both Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims. Over the centuries, the name Sharif, and its variations, have been adapted by various cultures and languages, often reflecting the respect and esteem associated with its original interpretation in Arabic.

Sharif: Where does the name Sharif come from?

The last name Sharif is widely seen across the Middle East today. It is particularly common in Pakistan, where it ranks among the twenty-five most popular surnames. Sharif is also a common surname in India, particularly among Muslim populations.

In the Middle East, Sharif is one of the more common surnames in Jordan, where it is associated with the Hashemite royal family. It is also a common surname in Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

Outside of the region, Sharif is a fairly common last name among Arab diaspora communities in the West. Sharif is a common last name in France, particularly among the country's large North African population. It is also seen in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, where it is often spelled Shareef.

The Sharif surname is derived from the Arabic word "sharaf," which roughly translates to "noble." The nobility associated with the name is still prevalent among the many communities who still bear the surname today, and it remains an incredibly common name in the Middle East and beyond.

Variations of the surname Sharif

Surnames that derive from the same root as “Sharif” can take a variety of forms depending upon their language or geographic origin. Variants typically feature minor spelling differences, and some may include additional letters in the beginning or end of the word.

In Arabic, “Sharif” is the masculine form of the adjective which means "noble." In different contexts, the female form can also be “Sharifa” or “Shareefa” depending on the region. The following spellings are all derived from the same root as “Sharif”:

• Shurieff

• Shuriff

• Shurif

• Shurafa

• Shurfa

• Sharifah

• Shiref

• Sharife

• Shareef

• Sherefa

• Sharefe

• Sherif

• Sherief

• Shariff

• Sharf

• Sharrif

• Sharefa

• Shreff.

Additionally, surnames which incorporate the root “Sharif” can take different ethnic shapes. Examples include the Indian surnames Saraf, Sharfuddin, Sharief, and the Afghan surname Sarif.

Overall, there are a wide range of surnames and spellings which can be traced back to the same root of “Sharif”. As such, the same family might even have multiple variations on the name.

Famous people with the name Sharif

• Omar Sharif: Sharif was a multi-talented Egyptian actor. He often starred in Hollywood films such as Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia and was known for playing sophisticated characters. Sharif also starred in various international films throughout his lengthy acting career.
• Fatima Sharif: Fatima is the daughter of the late Omar Sharif. She is a Middle Eastern actress and model who has appeared in several Arabic films. She is also the owner of the Sharif jewelry store in Cairo.
• Talat Sharif: Talat Sharif is a Palestinian actor, model and fashion designer. He is the grandson of Omar Sharif, and has made his mark in the industry by starring in several television series and movies.
• Mohsin Sharif: Mohsin is a Pakistani actor and television host popularly known for his roles in popular serials such as Kuch Kariye, """Sharif aur Sapna" and more recently ""Hijrat"". He is the nephew of Omar Sharif and is the son of the renowned actor Nasir Sharif.
• Hina Sharif: Hina Sharif is an Indian actress who began her career in 2002 with the multi-starrer film ""Tere Naam"". She is the daughter of late actor Nasir Sharif. She is also the step-daughter of the late Omar Sharif.
• Salma Sharif: Salma Sharif is an Egyptian actress and model who is best known for her roles in the 2012 films ""Mama's Wedding"" and ""The Grade"". She is the aunt of Omar Sharif, and is the daughter of the renowned Egyptian actor Mahmoud Sharif.

Other surnames

SharickSharifiSharifsSharifzadeh