Holding steady.
Popularity of Latif since 1971
Babies named Latif per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 53 |
| 1980s | 55 |
| 1990s | 126 |
| 2000s | 90 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 19 |
Meaning & origin
Latif is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'kind' or 'gracious,' and it holds deep religious significance as one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam (al-Latif). Despite its meaningful etymology and cultural richness, it has remained a rare choice in the United States. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1971 and reached its highest recorded usage in 1991, though it has never broken into the national top 1000. Its trajectory has been stable over recent decades, indicating a consistent but limited presence. While not concentrated in any particular state, Latif continues to be used by families seeking a name with spiritual weight and a gentle meaning.
Latif derives from the Arabic root L-T-F, conveying subtlety, kindness, and graciousness. As an epithet of God (al-Latif) in Islamic tradition, it appears in the Quran and is cherished for its spiritual resonance. The name has been used widely across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally, often reflecting piety and moral character.
“Latif” around the world
Where Latif lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Lateef
Sibling names for Latif
Names that share Latif's style, for a brother or sister.
