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Cheikh

♂ Boy

Pronounced SHAYK /ˈʃeɪk/Medium

Meaning: From Arabic shaykh, 'elder, chief, religious leader' — a revered title and name in West AfricaMedium

In 30 seconds: An elder and leader: Cheikh is the Arabic 'shaykh' — a revered title — given as a name across West Africa. Dignified, honored, and strong.

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Origin HighArabic, West African

MeaningFrom Arabic shaykh, 'elder, chief, religious leader' — a revered title and name in West Africa

U.S. rank (2025)#4890 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births20 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 512

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cheikh comes from Arabic shaykh, 'elder, chief, religious leader' — a title of honor given as a name across West Africa (especially Senegal). Scholar Cheikh Anta Diop made it widely known.

In the U.S. it appears in West African families. Rare, elder-leader at the root, and dignified.

Did you know? Cheikh Anta Diop, the great Senegalese scholar, made this name famous — it's the French-spelled shaykh, 'elder, learned leader', a title of deep respect.

Overall data confidence 80%

References — shaykh — etymology

Variations

SheikhShaykhCheick

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Cheikh Anta Diop (1923-1986)
Senegalese historian and anthropologist who argued for an African origin of Egyptian civilization
★Cheikh Tidiane Gadio (1954-)
Senegalese politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs
★Cheikh Touré (1992-)
French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder

If you like Cheikh…

Ousmane— a companion Senegalese name

Jad— lands in the same popularity range

Saif— lands in the same popularity range

Zade— a similarly popular pick

Tahj— another Arabic name

Explore names like Cheikh

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cheikh mean?

Cheikh is from Arabic shaykh, 'elder, chief, religious leader' — a revered title.

How do you pronounce Cheikh?

It's said SHAYK /ˈʃeɪk/ — a single syllable.

Is Cheikh a boy or girl name?

Cheikh is a boy's name.

How popular is Cheikh?

Cheikh is a rare name in the U.S.