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Last Name Charif

What is the origin of the last name Charif?

The surname "Charif" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "Sharif," which means noble or honorable. Historically, the Sharif title was used by members of the Prophet Muhammad's family and certain tribal leaders in Saudi Arabia. Over time, it became a last name among Arabic-speaking populations. Today, it can be found across many Middle Eastern countries as well as in other parts of the world where Arab immigrants have settled.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Charif

The meaning and origin of the last name Charif

The surname Charif is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "شريف" (Sharīf), which means noble or honored. This name is widely used among Arabic-speaking populations, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. It is also a common name in other parts of the world with significant Arabic cultural influence. The name can be traced back to the Islamic Golden Age, where it was given to individuals of noble or distinguished lineage, reflecting their status within society. Today, the surname Charif is borne by people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, showcasing its widespread adoption across cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Charif

The surname Charif has a predominant presence in North Africa, particularly in countries like Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, where it is one of the most common Arabic last names. It also holds significance in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, countries with a rich Islamic heritage. The name is primarily associated with Arabic-speaking communities and has roots dating back to the Ottoman Empire. In recent times, due to migration, the Charif surname can be found in various parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, particularly in cities with large Arab diaspora populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Charif

The surname Charif can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcribing conventions. Some common versions of this name include Charife, Chari, Sharif, Sheriff, Sharrif, Cherif, Chehri, and Shehrif. These variants stem from the Arabic word "sharif," meaning noble or chivalrous. Additionally, it may be found with diacritical marks in some instances such as Çharif, Şherif, and Æcharif, reflecting local phonetic pronunciation. It is also important to note that the name can be written as a single word or two words, depending on individual preference and regional custom. For example, it can appear as Charif or Charif Abdullah, with the given name included for context.

Famous people with the last name Charif

Among individuals bearing the surname Charif, notable figures include:

1. Rami Malek (born 1981), an American actor of Egyptian descent, known for his portrayal of Elliot Alderson in USA Network's Mr. Robot and Freddie Mercury in the biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
2. Moncef Marzouki (born 1945), a Tunisian politician who served as the President of Tunisia from 2011 to 2014 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, along with two other laureates, for their work on the Arab Spring.
3. Nabil Karoui (born 1967), a Tunisian businessman and television executive who founded Nessma TV, one of Tunisia's most popular channels, and ran for President of Tunisia in 2019.
4. Souad Charif (1958-2013), an Algerian writer and journalist who was the first female columnist for a major Arabic daily newspaper, El Watan, and is known for her novels "The House of Mud" and "Farewell, Sweet City."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, such as acting, politics, and journalism, and their achievements are recognized globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Charif

The last name Charif (variously spelled as Chari, Sharif, etc.) has origins deeply rooted in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon. Historically, the name is associated with the Islamic nobility, given to descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, hence the meaning "noble" or "honorable." The name's origins can be traced back to the 7th century, during the expansion of Islam. In later centuries, many Charif families emigrated to Europe and other parts of the world due to various historical events such as colonialism and political instability. Today, the name is widely dispersed across continents, reflecting the diaspora of its bearers over time.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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