Latifah is a beautiful and unique name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the word "latifa," which means "gentle" or "kind." In Arabic culture, Latifah is often associated with qualities such as sweetness, grace, and compassion.
The name Latifah has a rich history and has been used by notable individuals throughout time. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, who is an American rapper, singer, actress, and talk show host. Born on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, she began her career as a rapper in the late 1980s and rose to fame with her album "All Hail the Queen" in 1989. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her talent and contributions to hip-hop music.
Another notable figure named Latifah is Latifa al-Zayyat, an Egyptian writer and activist who was born on November 27, 1936. She was one of the leading figures in the modern Arabic novel movement and wrote many influential works that explored themes of women's rights and social justice.
In popular culture, the name Latifah has also been used in various films, television shows, and books. For example, it is the name of a character in the animated film "Aladdin," as well as a recurring character on the TV show "The Cosby Show."
Overall, Latifah is a powerful and meaningful name with a rich history that spans across different cultures and time periods. Its gentle and kind connotations make it a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their daughter.
The name Latifah has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the number of births recorded annually from 1974 to 2022.
In the early years, from 1974 to 1983, the number of babies named Latifah fluctuated between a low of 6 births in 1975 and a high of 19 births in 1983. This period saw an average of about 12 births per year.
However, starting from 1989, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Latifah. In that year alone, there were 93 babies named Latifah, marking a substantial jump from the previous year's total. This trend continued into the next decade, with the highest number of births recorded being 300 in 1990.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a decline in the popularity of the name Latifah, with the number of births falling to single digits in some years. For instance, there were only 7 births in 2002 and again in 2010.
More recently, from 2016 onwards, the popularity of the name Latifah has been consistent, with an average of about 8 births per year. This includes a high of 11 births in 2019 and a low of 5 births in 2018.
In total, over the span of nearly five decades (from 1974 to 2022), there have been 1465 babies named Latifah in the United States. This data provides insight into how the popularity of this name has ebbed and flowed over time.