Surname Sharifs - Meaning and Origin

Sharifs: What does the surname Sharifs mean?

The last name Sharifs is an ethnically and culturally diverse surname, deriving from many different regions. Generally speaking, Sharifs is an honorific title, and the term itself means "noble" or "nobility."

In some Islamic societies, the term Sharifs, also spelled Shareefs or Shereefs, is used to refer to descendants of the prophet Muhammed, his relatives, or sayyids. The term is also sometimes used for anyone who is considered to be of noble birth, or highly respected in their community.

In Arabic-speaking countries, Sharifs is also used as an honorific title for any person of high standing or respect. It can be used to refer to scholars, leaders, or rulers. In this case, it simply indicates respect or admiration for the person's achievements.

Sharifs is a very old and traditional surname, and has been found in many cultures and regions throughout the world, including central and south-west Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is also sometimes found among people of Spanish and Portuguese heritage.

In general, the last name Sharifs usually denotes someone of great respect and honour, and the bearer of the name is likely to be a person of stature within their community.

Sharifs: Where does the name Sharifs come from?

The Sharifs is a surname that has been prevalent in the Middle East for centuries, oftentimes passed down from father to son within a family. Today, the surname is found in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Turkey. Furthermore, it is one of the most popular surnames in the Arab World.

In Iran, the surname is especially common, with an estimated 1.7 million people bearing the surname in the country. It is one of the most popular surnames in the country, particularly stemming from the Persian Qajar dynasty which saw the ascension of the Sharif dynasty.

In India, the surname is quite prevalent among Indian Muslims, especially among those of Pashtun, Muhajir, and Syed heritage. In Pakistan, the surname is especially common among people associated with the Pakhtun ethnic group. It is estimated that around 1.1 million people have this last name in the country.

In Afghanistan, majority of those who carry the surname associate with a Rahimzai Pashtun tribe. While the surname is spread all throughout the country, as majority of its population is of Pashtun ethnicity, the provinces of Kandahar, Helmand, and Kunar are especially populated with people who go by Sharifs.

The surname is also found in Turkey, particularly among certain Alevi and Sufi communities. In Iraq, the same surname is especially common among the Kurdish community, especially those with Kurdish-Pashtun heritage.

Overall, the last name Sharifs is found across a multitude of Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, with the highest number of people associated with the surname living in Iran.

Variations of the surname Sharifs

The variant spellings and surnames for Sharifs include: Shariff, Sharrif, Charif, Shariat, Chariff, Shariffa, Sharriff, Sharaif, Chariffa, Shariif, Sharf, and Sharfe.

The word Sharif has its roots in the Arabic language, and it is derived from the title Sharif which was historically used to denote someone of royal or noble heritage. It has been used as a title for kings, and is still used today to refer to a Muslim leader in the Arabic culture.

The original spelling of the surname Sharif in Arabic is الشريف which is translated as 'The Noble'. This spelling of the surname can be found all over the world, in different variations, spellings, and spell variations. It is even spelled differently depending on the language used and region. For example, in the Indian subcontinent, the spelling is Sharaif, in Turkey, it is Shariif, and in some parts of North Africa, it is Charif.

The surname Sharif is also believed to be derived from a word meaning ‘eternal’ or ‘noble’. This was attributed to peoples in the Middle East who were connected to prominent families of the past.

The variants of the surname Sharif, as mentioned above, are all derived from the same origin- the prominence of powerful families in the Middle East. As the surname has been taken on by various groups throughout the world, it is likely that new variants have come up, as well, though they have likely kept the same basic spelling of Sharif.

Overall, the surname Sharif, along with its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, has been widely used around the world for centuries, to recognize the social standing of various families.

Famous people with the name Sharifs

• Omar Sharif: The late Omar Sharif was a world-renowned actor best known for his roles in Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Funny Girl. His career spanned more than five decades and numerous awards.
• Rafik Sharif: Rafik Sharif is an Egyptian actor, director and playwright. He is known for his performances in the films Grand Hotel, The Yacoubian Building and Lebanese Affair.
• Reza Najafizadeh Sharifs: A leading Iranian classical composer and musical director, Reza Najafizadeh Sharifs is also known for his widely renowned operas.
• Ehsan Sharif: Ehsan Sharif is an acclaimed Iranian painter who has won numerous awards for his richly detailed works, combining styles of classical, modern and environment-based painting.
• Ahmad Sharif: Ahmad Sharif is an Afghan actor who has appeared in numerous feature films including Osama, Kabuli Kid and Peace in Herat.
• Ayyub Sharif: A well-known Qawwali singer from Pakistan, Ayyub Sharif has been a part of numerous international tours and released dozens of albums.
• Bano Shariff: A Pakistani radio and TV host, Bano Shariff is known for acting in Singles: The Series and hosting dance reality show Nachley.
• Zalmay Shariff: Zalmay Shariff is a prominent Afghan-born American diplomat who served as assistant to President George W. Bush and national security advisor for President Barack Obama.
• Nadia Sharif: A Pakistani-American fashion designer, Nadia Sharif has created numerous luxury collections of eveningwear and bridalwear.
• Sadia Sharif: An award-winning British-born Pakistani filmmaker, Sadia Sharif has created several documentaries focusing on multiculturalism, global migration and cultural exchange.

Other surnames

SharickSharifSharifiSharifzadeh