What does Latif mean and where does it come from?
Latif (لطيف) is a name of Arabic origin, commonly used across Arabic-speaking countries and in parts of North Africa and Turkey. The name is derived from the Arabic root ل-ط-ف which conveys meanings of gentleness and kindness. Latif can also be translated to refer to someone who is 'delicate' or pos
Cultural significance
Latif has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of delicate.
Peak popularity
Reached #2659 in 1991 — currently #6933 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Latif?
Latif works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Latif Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Latif Rose
Floral · soft ending
Latif Mae
Sweet · timeless
Latif Claire
French influence · crisp
Latif Jane
Literary · strong
Latif Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Latif right now?
Rising fast — up 2777 spots — currently #6933 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #6933 | 12 | ▲ up 2777 · +71% births |
| 2020 | #9710 | 7 | ▼ down 755 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #8955 | 8 | ▲ up 80 |
| 2010 | #9035 | 8 | ▼ down 1771 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #7264 | 10 | ▼ down 235 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #7029 | 9 | ▼ down 2378 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #4651 | 13 | ▼ down 1386 · -32% births |
| 1990 | #3265 | 19 | ▲ up 2898 · +217% births |
| 1985 | #6163 | 6 | ▼ down 1372 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #4791 | 8 | ▼ down 894 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #3897 | 9 | — |
The story of Latif
Latif is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 398 total births recorded, Latif remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3897 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6933 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Latif in 1991:
Latif by decade
Latif peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 53 | |
| 1980s | 55 | |
| 1990s ★ | 126 | |
| 2000s | 90 | |
| 2010s | 67 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Latif has only 398 total recorded births since 1971 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Latif?
Famous people named Latif
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Latif (Sufi mystic)
Latif used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Latif (Islamic scholar)
Latif bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
L(
Latif (historical Arab ruler)
Latif held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
L(
Latif (Sufi mystic)
Latif used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Latif?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Latif also consider these
How is Latif written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Latif?
Common questions about the name Latif
What does the name Latif mean?
Latif means "delicate" — 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 Latif?
Latif is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Latif have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Latif?
Latif 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.
How do you pronounce the name Latif?
Latif is a two-syllable name pronounced L AA1 T IH0 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Latif trending right now?
Latif is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.