Latif Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: lah-TEEF //lɑːˈtiːf//
Origin: Arabic; Persian
Meaning: Arabic: gentle; Persian: kind
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Latif has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "لَطِيف" (latīf), which means "gentle," "kind," or "delicate." This term is related to the Arabic root "ل-ط-ف" (l-t-f), which encompasses notions of softness and subtlety. The name entered various languages through cultural and religious exchanges, particularly during the spread of Islam, where Arabic became a significant linguistic and cultural influence across regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
The name was adopted into Persian and Turkish, reflecting the historical interactions among these cultures and the prominence of Arabic in Islamic scholarship and literature. Historically, the name Latif has been borne by notable figures in Islamic history, including scholars and poets, contributing to its cultural significance.
In the medieval period, the name appeared in various literary works, often symbolizing virtues such as kindness and gentleness. The name is also associated with the concept of divine attributes in Islamic theology, where "Al-Latif" is one of the names of God, emphasizing the gentle and subtle nature of the divine.
This theological connection further solidified the name's resonance within Muslim communities. Culturally, Latif has been embraced in various forms across different regions, often reflecting the values of gentleness and kindness that are esteemed in many societies.
The name has also seen variations and diminutives in different languages, such as "Latifullah" in some contexts, which combines the name with the Arabic word for God, enhancing its spiritual connotation. Overall, Latif embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance, making it a name with enduring appeal.
Famous people named Latif
In this section, you will find notable people named Latif. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Latif who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Latif who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Latif Yahia is an author and former soldier best known for his memoir 'The Devil's Double' and its film adaptation.
Latif Khamisov is a musician best known for his work in the field of traditional Uzbek music.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Latif, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Latif. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Latif was first seen in the United States in 1971.
Latif has ranked as high as #6313 nationally, which occurred in 1991, and has been most popular in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Latif has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Latif is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Latif was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Latif.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 | 7 |
| 2018 | 7 | 7 |
| 2017 | 10 | 10 |
| 2015 | 8 | 8 |
| 2014 | 11 | 11 |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 |
| 2012 | 11 | 11 |
| 2011 | 8 | 8 |
| 2010 | 8 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 | 6 |
| 2008 | 6 | 6 |
| 2007 | 7 | 7 |
| 2006 | 12 | 12 |
| 2005 | 10 | 10 |
| 2004 | 11 | 11 |
| 2003 | 11 | 11 |
| 2002 | 9 | 9 |
| 2001 | 9 | 9 |
| 2000 | 9 | 9 |
| 1999 | 6 | 6 |
| 1998 | 6 | 6 |
| 1997 | 8 | 8 |
| 1996 | 8 | 8 |
| 1995 | 13 | 13 |
| 1994 | 14 | 14 |
| 1993 | 14 | 14 |
| 1992 | 12 | 12 |
| 1991 | 26 | 26 |
| 1990 | 19 | 19 |
| 1989 | 9 | 9 |
| 1988 | 5 | 5 |
| 1986 | 6 | 6 |
| 1985 | 6 | 6 |
| 1984 | 7 | 7 |
| 1982 | 8 | 8 |
| 1981 | 6 | 6 |
| 1980 | 8 | 8 |
| 1979 | 10 | 10 |
| 1978 | 5 | 5 |
| 1977 | 6 | 6 |
| 1976 | 11 | 11 |
| 1975 | 9 | 9 |
| 1974 | 5 | 5 |
| 1971 | 7 | 7 |
Top States for Latif (2001)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| PA | 5 |