Surname Shaikh - Meaning and Origin
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Shaikh: What does the surname Shaikh mean?
Shaikh, also spelled as Sheikh, Shykh, Shayk, Shaykh, Cheikh, Sheik, and Shekh, is a word or honorific term in the Arabic language that denotes a political or religious leader of a Muslim community. It's often used to refer to a wise or elderly person, or a senior, especially among Arab people. The term is commonly used in the Arab world and the Middle East, much like the term 'sir' or 'mister' in the English language. In translation, it can mean 'elder' or 'chief'. Traditionally, it refers to an Islamic scholar, a religious man, a great teacher, or a head of an Arabian tribe. However, in some contexts, Shaikh is also a common surname carried by individuals, especially seen in Muslim-majority countries. The term 'Shaikh' is also often affixed to the beginning of the names of Islamic scholars as a sign of respect and recognition of their wisdom and knowledge.
Order DNA origin analysisShaikh: Where does the name Shaikh come from?
The last name Shaikh is commonly found in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa, particularly in countries home to large Muslim populations. It is also used in some African nations with a large Indian population. In the Middle East, the Shaikh family is most prominent in Kuwait, Palestine, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. In South Asia, the surname is found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Finally, Shaikh is a popular name in East African countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Kenya.
The Shaikh surname is most commonly associated with the Muslim faith but also features amongst some Jewish populations. In Arabia, it is believed that Shaikh sahib is a title that originated around 9th century Persia, bestowed upon distinguished families as a sign of respect. Over time, its use has become a symbol of higher social status.
Although the name’s origin and use is heavily intertwined with Islamic culture, its usage has widened over time. Today, you will find members of the Shaikh family across all walks of life in countries around the world. Regardless of religion, family members of this distinguished name are proud to carry on its legacy.
Variations of the surname Shaikh
The surname Shaikh has multiple variants and spellings in different languages and cultures, some of which are Sheik, Sheikh, Shaykh, Shaik, Šeih, Shaiḫ, Shayeḫ, Sheykh, Shayx, Sheikhu, Hayk, Shæk, Şeyx, Şéyk, Sceyk, Shêh, Śeikh, Xayk, Sayki, Şayk and Shax. This surname is a common title of Arabic, Persian, and Indian origin, derived from the Arabic word “shaykh” which is used to address a wise or religious elder who is respected in the community. In some cultures, this title has become hereditary and passed down from generation to generation as a surname.
In India, Shaikh is a surname mainly used by Muslim families belonging to the Shaikh caste. People with this surname are found mainly in the states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.
In Indonesia, the surname Shaikh has evolved into the variant spelling Shaykhu and is found among families of mixed Arab and Indonesian ancestry.
In Afghanistan, people of the Shaikh tribe are a significant part of the population and use the variants Sheikhu and Şéyk as their surnames.
In Pakistan, the surname Shaikh is also used by members of the Awan tribe, as well as by families of African descent who trace their lineage to the Habshi or Abyssinian dynasty.
In North America and the U.K., people with the surname Shaikh are mostly either immigrants from the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East or descendants of African slaves who adopted the name as a show of solidarity with their Islamic faith.
Famous people with the name Shaikh
- Zayn Malik Shaikh: English singer, songwriter, and former member of the popular group One Direction.
- Huma Abedin Shaikh: Ameican political aide who is currently serving as the deputy manager of the 2016 US presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton.
- Bidya Devi Bhandari Shaikh: First female President of Nepal; elected in 2015, the first year a women was eligible for the position.
- Preeti Shaikh: Indian television presenter and actor. Best known for presenting Zee TV's India Zone and co-hosting Bournvita Quiz Contest with Derek O'Brian.
- Azim Premji Shaikh: Chairman of Wipro Limited, a global IT consulting and system integration services company based in India.
- Jamilah Shaikh: Prominent social entrepreneur from India. She is the founder of the non-governmental organization Zariya; which focuses on girls from low-income households and women's initiatives in rural India.
- Taj Mohammad Shaikh: Prominent Pakistani politician and soldier. Served as a Minister of Cholistan Development from 1997-2007.
- Naheed Shaikh: British photographer and filmmaker from London, England.
- Awais Shaikh: Pakistani television director and actor. Best known for his role in the comedy drama Bulbulay.
- Nadia Shaikh: British actor and model. Came to fame after appearing in the 1997 movie The Full Monty.