Holding steady.
Popularity of Sheriff since 1986
Babies named Sheriff per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 8 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 46 |
| 2010s | 27 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Sheriff is an extremely rare given name in the United States, drawn from an English occupational surname. The first recorded instance of Sheriff as a first name was in 1986, but it did not appear in any subsequent data, suggesting it was a one-time usage or a very isolated choice. The name derives from the Old English 'scīrgerēfa', combining 'scīr' (shire) and 'gerēfa' (reeve), referring to a local law enforcement officer. As of 2025, Sheriff has no peak popularity year beyond its sole occurrence in 1986, and it has no recorded top states. This name remains a rare and unconventional choice, likely influenced by the authority associated with the title.
Sheriff is a modern given name derived from the English surname, itself from the Old English 'scīr' (shire) plus 'gerēfa' (reeve). It originally referred to a royal official responsible for keeping the peace in a shire. As a first name, it emerged rarely in the late 20th century, possibly influenced by the prestige of law enforcement titles.
Sibling names for Sheriff
Names that share Sheriff's style, for a brother or sister.
