Rising since 2022, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Sherif since 1969
Babies named Sherif per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 62 |
| 1980s | 83 |
| 1990s | 111 |
| 2000s | 72 |
| 2010s | 72 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Sherif is an Arabic-derived name carrying the noble meaning of 'honorable' or 'descendant of the Prophet.' In the United States, Sherif first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name list in 1969, and its usage peaked in 1990, the year of its highest recorded count. As of 2025, it ranks 8,243 with a frequency of 1 in 189,786 births, and it has been on a rising trend since 2022, indicating renewed interest. Although no single U.S. state saw a concentrated number of Sherifs, its steady but modest use over the decades reflects its appeal among families valuing cultural and religious heritage.
Sherif derives from the Arabic noun 'sharif' (شريف), meaning 'noble' or 'honorable.' In Islamic tradition, the title 'Sharif' historically referred to a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Hasan, particularly in the context of the Hashemite lineage. Traditionally used as a title or honorific in the Arab world, it has also become a given name in many Muslim-majority countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay, Reef
Sibling names for Sherif
Names that share Sherif's style, for a brother or sister.
