Surname Sherifi - Meaning and Origin

Diving into Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Test: A Sherifi Story

From tracing paternal lineage to discovering living relatives, here's a firsthand account of the fascinating experience with the iGENEA DNA test and exploration of the Sherifi surname.

Y. Sherifi

Sherifi: What does the surname Sherifi mean?

The last name Sherifi is of Albanian origin, derived from the word "shérif", which means “guardian” or “protector”. It is believed that the family name was connected to the notion of a personal guardian in feudal times, as the accompanying title of a leader who protected the people beneath him from harm.

Traditionally, the surname was a title of honor and distinction, and was bestowed upon someone whose loyalty and courage were unparalleled, as evidenced by their valiant acts in battle. Many complex rules and regulations were connected to its proper use. It was not given easily and was reserved for the select few willing to defend justice at all costs.

The word “shérif” has also been used throughout the centuries to refer to high ranking noblemen in a governing system. It was a title of respect and admiration conferred on someone for their noble actions and leadership. The surname invokes a sense of admiration, which is often associated with the name of Sherifi.

The many centuries-old connections between the name and the sense of honor and respect, have resulted in the surname being held in high regard. In today’s world, it still carries these same connotations and is seen as a reminder of the past. The Sherifi surname serves as a reminder of the heroic deeds and bravery of previous ancestors and generations.

Sherifi: Where does the name Sherifi come from?

The last name Sherifi is commonly found today in the Balkans, especially in Kosovo and Albania. It is also found in other Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran and Azerbaijan.

The earliest known Sherifi family of Bosnia and Herzegovina trace their history back to the fifteenth century. In the 1500s, family members moved to a region in Kosovo known as Drenica, where many still live today. Because of the region's tumultuous history, members of the Sherifi family have also spread out around the world.

As a result, the Sherifi name is now encountered across Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia. The Sherifi surname is among the common Arab family names found in many Islamic countries. The original pronunciation of the name is usually slightly altered in different dialects, as is often the case with Arabic surnames.

Today, the Sherifi family is proud of its long history and heritage. The family still traces its ancestry back to Drenica, and often enters competitions to find the oldest living members. Although the geography of the Sherifi family has changed over time, its legacy is still strong and vibrant.

Variations of the surname Sherifi

Sherifi is a surname of Albanian and Turkish origin. Some of the other alternative spellings of this surname include Şerif, Sarefi, Saref, Searifi, Sharifi, Şarifi and Şerafi.

In Albania, the Sherifi surname originated in the region of Elbasan after being brought there by Turkmen settlers from Anatolia in the 19th century. Those bearing the name would have formerly been part of the influential Kucuk Alaybeyów clan of Anatolia, who emigrated to Elbasan in the early 1800s.

The Sherifi surname is fairly common in Albania and is also found in Turkey where it reached mainland Anatolia during the Turkish migrations of the 14th and 15th centuries; it is particularly prevalent in the city of Elazig which has a large population of Turcomans and Kards.

In addition to Sherifi, Shotoku and Shalloshi are two other original variations of this name. Shotoku is a Sino-Japanese name derived from combining elements from both Chinese and Japanese origins, while Shalloshi is a Sanskrit name that directly translates to mean "God of Peace".

In Turkey, the surname was also adapted into a softer version, Şerifi, to better suit the language and culture of the locals, who used the name in the traditional manner. This alternate spelling bears more resemblance to the original name and can be seen in some of the earlier documents from the same time.

Although the spelling has changed over the years, the roots of the Sherifi surname remain the same and can be attributed to the same Turkic-Kard origins. Today, this surname is seen in Turkey, Albania and Germany, where its ancestral history has branched over the centuries.

Famous people with the name Sherifi

• Shaip Sherifi: Albanian politician and former Minister of Agriculture
• Mersim Sherifi: Albanian-born professional wrestler
• Xhezair Sherifi: Albanian former footballer
• Orlando Sherifi: Macedonian footballer
• Enver Seiti Sherifi: Albanian writer and historian
• Fikret Sherifi: Serbian musician
• Nebi Sherifi: Albanian folk singer
• Hendi Sherifi: Albanian activist and LGBT rights defender
• Adriatik Sherifi: former Albanian ambassador to Australia
• Bekim Sherifi: former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo

Other surnames

SherickSheridanSherif