Lateef

Lateef is a masculine name of Arabic origin, meaning 'gentle,' 'kind,' or 'pleasant.' It derives from the Arabic word 'latif,' which is also one of the 99 attributes of Allah in Islamic tradition, representing divine gentleness and subtlety. The name has been used throughout the Muslim world for centuries and has gained recognition in Western countries through cultural exchange and immigration. Despite its increasing global presence, Lateef remains relatively uncommon in Western naming practices. The name carries positive associations with compassion and refinement, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both meaningful virtue connotations and cultural significance. Its distinctive sound and spelling give it a memorable quality while being relatively straightforward to pronounce.

Pronounced lah-TEEF.

As of October 2026, Lateef ranked #11703 in US births in 2022 SSA, peaked at #1328 in 1977.