Latifah

“delicate, sensitive, kind” — Associated with a strong sense of kindness and gentleness

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#14553US 2022

6Births / yr

↓Falling

1.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 197400.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Latifah

LAH·tif·AH

/ˈlɑ.tɪf.ˈɑ/ · stress on LAH · 3 syllables

“delicate, sensitive, kind”

Associated with a strong sense of kindness and gentleness · Arabic origin

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 #14553 in the US.

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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

How popular is Latifah right now?

Falling — down 85 spots — currently #14553 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2022#14553 · Top 11%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2020

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Latifah

Best Year1990Rank #702

Peak Count300

Average Rank#8331

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202211 years

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:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Samantha

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	8

💎With 1,453 total births, Latifah is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Latifah?

Common

LatLatieLatyIfah

Famous people named Latifah

Latifah (Islamic scholar)

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

Latifah (Quranic figure)

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

Latifah (Arab poet)

Latifah carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Latifah (historical Arab ruler)

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

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What names sound and feel like Latifah?

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

Latefah

Arabic · The gentle one

Latiyah

American · A form of

Latifa

Arabic · gentle, delicate

Natifah

Arabic · Arabic

Hanifah

Arabic · توحيد or عَفَاف:

Lamirah

Arabic · Bringer of light

Lamiyah

Arabic · اللامية - 'the

Kalifah

Arabic · Arabic

How is Latifah written in other languages?

لطيفة

Arabic

What are the boy versions of Latifah?

Latif ARABIC

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 L AA1 T IH0 F AA1. 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.