Lateef

“kind, gentle, subtle, pleasant” — Associated with one of the 99 names of Allah

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11703US 2022

6Births / yr

↓Falling

885All-time births

📅 Since 196700

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Lateef right now?

Falling — down 911 spots — currently #11703 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2022#11703 · Top 8.6%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2020

2022

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lateef

Best Year1980Rank #1426

Peak Count45

Average Rank#5363

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202211 years

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:

Michael Jason Christopher David James

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?

Common

LatLatieLatyAteef

Famous people named Lateef

Lateef (Quranic figure)

Lateef appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Lateef (historical Arab ruler)

Lateef held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Lateef (Sufi mystic)

Lateef used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Lateef (Islamic scholar)

Lateef bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Lateef?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lateef also consider these

American · sophisticated

Arabic · one who seeks

Latee

American · the one who

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.