Declining since 1991.
Popularity of Lateef since 1967
Babies named Lateef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 21 |
| 1970s | 289 |
| 1980s | 217 |
| 1990s | 169 |
| 2000s | 112 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Lateef is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the root L-T-F meaning kindness and subtlety. As Al-Lateef, it is a divine attribute in Islam, giving the name a deep spiritual resonance that has appealed to Muslim families worldwide. In the United States, Lateef first entered the Social Security naming record in 1967, reflecting a period when Arabic names were becoming more visible in American culture. Its peak came in 1977, the year of its greatest recorded usage, but since 1991 the name has followed a steadily declining trajectory. Though it has never broken into the top 1000 nationally, Lateef maintains a quiet presence, particularly among families seeking a name with both religious significance and a gentle meaning. The name's simplicity and cross-cultural recognition make it a distinctive choice that carries historical and spiritual weight without feeling heavy.
Lateef derives from the Arabic root L-T-F (ل ط ف), conveying kindness, gentleness, and subtlety. Al-Lateef is one of the 99 names of God in Islam, meaning 'The Subtle' or 'The Kind.' The name has long been used throughout the Arabic-speaking and Muslim worlds. It entered American naming records in the 1960s, likely reflecting broader cultural awareness of Islamic names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lat, Tee
Variants: Latif
Sibling names for Lateef
Names that share Lateef's style, for a brother or sister.
