Holding steady, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Sheikh since 1991
Babies named Sheikh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 71 |
| 2000s | 125 |
| 2010s | 127 |
| 2020s | 98 |
Meaning & origin
Sheikh, rooted in the Arabic word for 'elder' or 'chief,' serves as both a title and a given name in many Muslim cultures. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1991 and has seen steady use, particularly concentrated in New York (its top state). As of 2025, about 1 in 113,872 boys receives the name, ranking at 5,861. The name reached its highest recorded usage in 2024, reflecting a modest but consistent presence. Its trajectory in the 2020s has been stable, with no signs of a dramatic rise or decline. Sheikh carries cultural weight, connecting bearers to a tradition of leadership and respect.
Sheikh derives from the Arabic word shaykh (شيخ), meaning 'elder' or 'chief.' Used historically as a title for tribal leaders, scholars, and respected elders, it has also become a given name in many Muslim cultures. Its use as a personal name has grown in South Asian and Middle Eastern diaspora communities, reflecting cultural pride and familial heritage.
Where Sheikh is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay
Sibling names for Sheikh
Names that share Sheikh's style, for a brother or sister.
