History and Significance of the Surname Sherifa

The surname Sherifa is a fascinating name with a rich history and widespread distribution around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins of the surname, its meaning, variations, and frequency in different countries.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Sherifa is of Arabic origin and is derived from the Arabic word sharif, which means noble or honorable. It is a common surname among individuals of Arab descent and is often used to denote a person's lineage or status within the community.

Many families bearing the surname Sherifa can trace their ancestry back to prominent Arab tribes or families with distinguished royal or noble lineage. The name is often used as a honorific title for individuals who are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad or other revered figures in Islamic history.

Variations

Like many surnames of Arabic origin, the name Sherifa may have several variations or spelling variations depending on the region or dialect. Some common variations of the surname include Sharif, Shariif, Cherif, and Shareef.

These variations may have originated from different transliterations of the original Arabic word or may have evolved over time as families migrated to different regions and adapted to local customs and languages.

Frequency and Distribution

The surname Sherifa has a moderate frequency of occurrence around the world, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name in countries with large Arab or Muslim populations.

Ethiopia (ET)

In Ethiopia, the surname Sherifa is relatively common, with an incidence of 1932 individuals carrying this name. This is not surprising given the country's diverse ethnic and cultural make-up, which includes a significant Arab population.

Ghana (GH)

In Ghana, the surname Sherifa is also quite prevalent, with 623 individuals bearing this name. This reflects the country's historical ties to Arab traders and settlers, as well as its strong Islamic heritage.

Egypt (EG)

Similarly, in Egypt, the surname Sherifa is found among 214 individuals. Egypt has a long history of Arab influence and has a large population of individuals with Arabic surnames.

Pakistan (PK)

In Pakistan, the surname Sherifa is less common, with 161 individuals carrying this name. However, given the country's strong ties to the Arab world and its significant Muslim population, it is not surprising to find individuals with Arabic surnames like Sherifa.

Uganda (UG)

In Uganda, the surname Sherifa is relatively rare, with only 54 individuals bearing this name. This may be due to the country's Christian majority and the presence of other ethnic groups with different naming traditions.

Kuwait (KW)

In Kuwait, the surname Sherifa is found among 39 individuals. Kuwait has a large population of Arab descent, and Arabic surnames are common among its citizens.

India (IN)

In India, the surname Sherifa is also relatively rare, with only 26 individuals carrying this name. This is likely due to the country's diverse population and the presence of many other ethnic groups with different naming conventions.

United Arab Emirates (AE)

In the United Arab Emirates, the surname Sherifa is found among 11 individuals. The UAE has a large population of Arab descent, and Arabic surnames are common among Emirati citizens.

United States (US)

In the United States, the surname Sherifa is relatively uncommon, with only 4 individuals carrying this name. This reflects the country's diverse population and the presence of many other ethnic groups with different surnames.

Other Countries

While the surname Sherifa is most commonly found in Arab countries and regions with large Arab populations, it is also present in smaller numbers in countries like Iran, Algeria, England, Belgium, and Malaysia, among others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Sherifa is a unique and intriguing name with a rich history and widespread distribution around the world. It is a common surname among individuals of Arab descent and is often used to denote noble or honorable lineage within the community.

While the name Sherifa may have different variations and frequencies in various countries, its Arabic origins and meanings remain consistent across cultures and regions. Overall, the surname Sherifa serves as a reminder of the shared heritage and ancestry of Arab peoples worldwide.