Surname Ashraf - Meaning and Origin

Ashraf: What does the surname Ashraf mean?

The last name Ashraf is derived from the Arabic term "ashraf al-makhluqat", which translates to "the most noble of creations". This name is often used to refer to people of high social rank or honorable character.

The word has its roots in religion, as ashraf is believed to have been chosen by God as righteous believers. Throughout the centuries, the term has come to denote a select group of individuals with distinguished ownership, marital status, and social standing.

In some cultures and nations, the name is used to refer to members of well-respected and well-known families. Thus, people bearing the name are believed to possess a noble character and have a great respect for their family and ancestors.

Within Muslim communities, the name Ashraf is also used to refer to people of lineage, and it is considered a great honor to belong to an ashraf family.

More generally, the name represents the notion of honor, excellence, and cultural respect. To be an Ashraf implies a higher standard of social rank as defined by entering into a respected family lineage. For many, it is a source of pride and a step on the way to success in life, as it is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

Ashraf: Where does the name Ashraf come from?

The last name Ashraf is most commonly found today in the Middle East and South Asia. Specifically, it is found in regions such as Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The last name Ashraf is derived from the Arabic phrase ‘Ashraf Al-Muhajireen’, which means "Most Noble Amongst the Emigrants". The term has been used historically, as well as in its modern sense, to refer to early Muslim believers who emigrated from Mecca to Medina in order to carry the faith of Islam to this area.

In terms of popularity, the last name Ashraf is one of the most widely-used last names in the Islamic world—especially given its historical links to the faith. It is also a popular last name among the sizable South Asian diaspora, which can be found across the world.

In addition, the last name Ashraf has been linked to a number of prominent people—especially those who have had a significant impact on both regional and global politics. For example, former Syrian prime minister Riyad Farid Hijab, Pakistani-born American human rights activist Farah Pandith, and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri all carry the last name Ashraf.

In conclusion, the last name Ashraf is most widely found today in the Middle East and South Asia, but can also be found among the international diaspora. Moreover, individuals carrying this last name have emerged as prominent figures in both the global and regional political-sphere.

Variations of the surname Ashraf

The surname Ashraf is of Arabic origin, with many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants of Ashraf are Aashraf, Oashraf, Ashrafi and Ashrafy. The spelling may also vary from Ashraf to Ashrafee, Ashrafey or Ashrafie. Other spellings include Ashroff, Achraff, Ashrof, Achraf, Alshraf, and Al-Shraf.

Surnames of the same origin include Ashur, Eshref, Ashry and Ishrin. Ashur is an Arabic name derived from a word meaning 'happy' or 'blessed.' Eshref is an Arabic name derived from the Arabic word meaning 'noble' or 'honorable.' Ashry is an Arabic name derived from the word for 'happy.' Ishrin is a variant of Ishrath which is of Arabic origin and means 'maintenance' or 'preservation of honor.'

Other related surnames include Shabazz, Asfahani, Hashim, Hashimiyya, Mustaqim, Qasim, Khan, Khani, Husni, Faraj, Faarax, Howladi, Muhaajir, and Siddiqui. Shabazz is an Arabic name and surname derived from the word meaning 'respected.' Asfahani is a surname of Arabic origin derived from Asfahan, a city in Iran. Hashim is an Arabic name derived from a word meaning 'Destroyer of evil.' Hashimiyya is an Arabic name and surname, derived from Hashim and meaning ‘respectable’ or ‘venerable.’ Mustaqim is an Arabic surname derived from a word meaning ‘right path.’ Qasim is an Arabic surname derived from a word meaning ‘divider.’ Khan and Khani are Arabic names and surnames derived from Khan, a military rank used extensively in the Mughal Empire. Husni is an Arabic name derived from a word meaning ‘beauty’ or ‘elegance.’ Faraj is an Arabic surname derived from a word meaning ‘relief' or ‘deliverance.’ Faarax is an Arabic surname derived from a word meaning ‘fighter.’ Howladi is an Arabic surname derived from Howlayd, a name of an Arabian tribe. Muhaajir is an Arabic name derived from a word meaning ‘migrant’ and a person who has migrated from one place to another. Siddiqui is an Arabic surname derived from Siddiq meaning ‘true, loyal and trustworthy.’

Famous people with the name Ashraf

• Asma Ashraf: Pakistan-based lawyer and television broadcaster.
• Waseem Ashraf: Former Pakistani cricketer.
• Tajamal Ameer: Bangladeshi politician and Member of Parliament.
• Zia Ashraf: Former Pakistani cricketer.
• Maryam Ashraf: Pakistani actress and producer.
• Farah Ashraf: Pakistani actress.
• Khurram Ashraf Khan: Pakistani politician and founding member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf.
• Adil Ashraf: Pakistani actor and singer.
• Sabahat Ashraf: Indian television personality.
• Rehana Ashraf: Pakistani politician and minister in government of Pakistan.
• Nazli Ashraf: Indian actress.
• Imran Ashraf: Pakistani actor, singer, writer and director.
• Umar Ashraf: Pakistani cricketer.
• Dr. Muhammad Ashraf: Pakistani professor, author and historian.
• Rida Ashraf: Pakistani actress.
• Abul Hassan Ashraf: Indian film director and producer.
• Sabina Ashraf: Pakistani politician.
• Bilal Ashraf: Pakistani actor and model.
• Syed Shahid Ashraf: Indian film director and producer.
• Junaid Ashraf: Pakistani actor.

Other surnames

Ashrafi