Sharif

Sharif derives from the Arabic root sh-r-f, meaning to be noble, to be elevated, or to be of high standing. The same root produces ashraf (most noble), shareef (the noble one), and sharafa (honour, nobility). In classical Arabic, the root relates to physical elevation such as a hilltop as well as social and moral elevation. The title Sharif has been used since early Islamic history for descendants of the Prophet through Hasan ibn Ali, and later extended to mean any person of noble character or high social standing. The variant spelling Sherif is common in Egypt.

The title and name Sharif carries extraordinary prestige in the Islamic world. The Sharifate of Mecca, held by descendants of the Prophet, governed the holy cities for centuries. The current royal houses of Morocco (the Alaoui dynasty) and Jordan (the Hashemite dynasty) are both Sharifian families. The Arab Revolt of 1916, led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca, shaped the modern Middle East. Omar Sharif, born Michel Chalhoub in Alexandria, became one of cinema's most magnetic stars, making the name known globally. The name has perhaps declined slightly as newer Arabic names gain popularity, but its nobility of meaning remains undiminished.