What does Lateef mean and where does it come from?
Lateef (لطيف) is an Arabic name that signifies a gentle and kind-hearted disposition. It is found across various Arabic-speaking countries and is often given to boys to represent a soft and pleasant personality. The name is also associated with one of the 99 names of Allah, Al-Lateef, indicating His
Cultural significance
Lateef has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of kind, gentle, subtle, pleasant.
Peak popularity
Reached #1333 in 1977 — currently #11703 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lateef?
Lateef works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lateef Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lateef Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lateef Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lateef Claire
French influence · crisp
Lateef Jane
Literary · strong
Lateef Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lateef right now?
Falling — down 911 spots — currently #11703 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #11703 | 6 | ▼ down 911 |
| 2020 | #10792 | 6 | ▼ down 4682 · -57% births |
| 2010 | #6110 | 14 | ▼ down 116 · +8% births |
| 2005 | #5994 | 13 | ▼ down 299 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #5695 | 12 | ▼ down 41 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #5654 | 10 | ▼ down 2401 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #3253 | 19 | ▼ down 219 · +19% births |
| 1985 | #3034 | 16 | ▼ down 1608 · -64% births |
| 1980 | #1426 | 45 | ▲ up 101 · +29% births |
| 1975 | #1527 | 35 | ▲ up 2273 · +338% births |
| 1970 | #3800 | 8 | — |
The story of Lateef
Lateef is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 885 total births recorded, Lateef remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3800 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11703 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Lateef in 1977:
Lateef by decade
Lateef peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 21 | |
| 1970s ★ | 289 | |
| 1980s | 217 | |
| 1990s | 169 | |
| 2000s | 112 | |
| 2010s | 71 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Lateef has only 885 total recorded births since 1967 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lateef?
Famous people named Lateef
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Lateef (Quranic figure)
Lateef appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Lateef (historical Arab ruler)
Lateef held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Lateef (Sufi mystic)
Lateef used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Lateef (Islamic scholar)
Lateef bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Lateef?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lateef also consider these
Common questions about the name Lateef
What does the name Lateef mean?
Lateef means "kind, gentle, subtle, pleasant" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lateef?
Lateef is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Lateef?
Lateef originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Lateef a common or rare name?
Lateef is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Lateef a classic or a modern name?
Lateef has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.