What does Latifah mean and where does it come from?
Latifah is derived from the Arabic name لطيفة (Latīfah) and has been a popular name in various Arab cultures. The name is associated with a strong sense of kindness and gentleness. It gained popularity in Western cultures primarily due to the influence of American actress and rapper Queen Latifah, b
Cultural significance
Latifah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of delicate, sensitive, kind.
Peak popularity
Reached #702 in 1990 — currently #14160 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Latifah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Latifah?
Latifah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Latifah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Latifah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Latifah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Latifah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Latifah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Latifah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Latifah right now?
Rising fast — up 2464 spots — currently #14160 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #14160 | 6 | ▲ up 2464 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #16624 | 5 | ▼ down 2071 · -17% births |
| 2022 | #14553 | 6 | ▼ down 85 |
| 2021 | #14468 | 6 | ▼ down 3212 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #11256 | 8 | ▲ up 2556 · +14% births |
| 2010 | #13812 | 7 | ▼ down 2611 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #11201 | 9 | ▼ down 6313 · -62% births |
| 2000 | #4888 | 24 | ▼ down 1554 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #3334 | 34 | ▼ down 2632 · -89% births |
| 1990 | #702 | 300 | ▲ up 4573 · +2043% births |
| 1985 | #5275 | 14 | ▼ down 1969 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #3306 | 26 | ▲ up 5541 · +333% births |
| 1975 | #8847 | 6 | — |
The story of Latifah
Latifah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 1,453 total births recorded, Latifah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #8847 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14553 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Latifah in 1990:
Latifah by decade
Latifah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 101 | |
| 1980s | 241 | |
| 1990s ★ | 947 | |
| 2000s | 84 | |
| 2010s | 72 | |
| 2020s | 19 | |
💎With 1,453 total births, Latifah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Latifah?
Famous people named Latifah
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Latifah (Islamic scholar)
Latifah bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Latifah (Quranic figure)
Latifah appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
L(
Latifah (Arab poet)
Latifah carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Latifah (historical Arab ruler)
Latifah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Latifah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Latifah also consider these
How is Latifah written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Latifah?
Common questions about the name Latifah
What does the name Latifah mean?
Latifah means "delicate, sensitive, kind" — 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 Latifah?
Latifah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Latifah?
Latifah 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 Latifah?
Latifah is a three-syllable name pronounced LAH-tif-AH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Latifah?
Latifah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.