'ashraf' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'ašraf' (أشرف), where the root 'sh-r-f' meant 'to be noble, high in status'.

'ashraf' was used in Classical Arabic as an adjective/honorific and later became used as a personal name and surname across Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities; it entered other languages primarily through the transmission of names and titles.

Initially it meant 'more noble' or 'most noble' (a comparative/superlative adjective), but over time it evolved into a proper name and honorific meaning 'noble, honorable'.