MallowbyNames

Shariah

shah-REE-uh · This name is a variant of Sharia, an Arabic term meaning 'clear path' or 'law', but as a given name it is a modern coinage likely influenced by names like Sharice or Shari.

Peak popularity
2009
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2010

Declining since 2010.

Popularity of Shariah since 1982

Babies named Shariah per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1633491990200020102020Most births 2009Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s25
1990s205
2000s418
2010s262
2020s55

Meaning & origin

Shariah is a modern American name first recorded in 1982, with its peak usage in 2009. Since 2010, its popularity has been falling, and it has never appeared in the national top 1,000 rankings. The name has no strong ties to any specific region or state, as its top states list is empty. Its unique sound and spelling likely appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with a contemporary feel, though its similarity to the Arabic term 'sharia' may give some pause. The name remains rare, with no notable famous bearers, and its use is a reflection of modern naming trends rather than historical tradition.

Shariah appears to be a modern American coinage, first recorded in 1982. It may blend sounds from the Arabic word 'sharia' (meaning 'path' or 'law') with the fashionable -iah suffix seen in names like Aaliyah and Aniyah. Its use as a given name is separate from the religious term, and it has no long historical tradition.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shari, Riah

Variants: Sharia, Shariyah

Sibling names for Shariah

Names that share Shariah's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Shariah, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shariah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Shariah's letter becomes Shariah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Shariah's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Shariah mean?
Shariah is a modern name, likely influenced by the Arabic word 'sharia' (meaning 'path' or 'law'), but it is not directly derived from it. The name's meaning is not well-established, and it is best understood as a contemporary creation.
How popular is the name Shariah?
Shariah has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. Its peak usage was in 2009, and it has been declining in use since 2010.
Is Shariah a boy's or girl's name?
Shariah is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.