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Home › Baby Names Directory › Latifah

Latifah

♀ Girl

Pronounced lah-TEE-fah /lɑːˈtiː.fə/Medium

Meaning: From the Arabic Latifah, 'gentle; kind; subtle; pleasant.' The masculine Al-Latif ('the Subtle; the Gentle') is one of the names of God in Islam, noted with respect. Borne by Queen Latifah.Medium

In 30 seconds: A gentle Arabic name: Latifah means 'gentle; kind; subtle' (said 'lah-TEE-fah'). Warm and dignified.
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningFrom the Arabic Latifah, 'gentle; kind; subtle; pleasant.' The masculine Al-Latif ('the Subtle; the Gentle') is one of the names of God in Islam, noted with respect. Borne by Queen Latifah.
U.S. rank (2024)#16564 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1990
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,470

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199019742024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Latifah is Arabic for 'gentle; kind; subtle; pleasant.' Al-Latif ('the Subtle') is one of the names of God, noted with respect. A dignified name, familiar through Queen Latifah — rare in the U.S. (said 'lah-TEE-fah').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, best known through Queen Latifah. Rare, gentle, and dignified.

Did you know? Latifah is Arabic for 'gentle; kind; subtle' — and Al-Latif ('the Subtle; the Gentle') is one of the names of God in Islam, noted with respect. Carried with poise by Queen Latifah (said 'lah-TEE-fah').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Latifah — Arabic 'gentle; kind; subtle'; Al-Latif a name of God; noted respectfully

Variations

LatifaLateefahLatifeh

Nicknames

TifaLala

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Latifah mean?

Latifah is Arabic for 'gentle; kind; subtle; pleasant.' Al-Latif ('the Subtle') is one of the names of God in Islam.

How do you pronounce Latifah?

It's said lah-TEE-fah /lɑːˈtiː.fə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Latifah a boy or girl name?

Latifah is a girl's name.

How popular is Latifah?

Latifah is rare in the U.S.

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