Find out how popular the first name Lateya has been for the last 17 years (from 1978 to 1994) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lateya by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Lateya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1994, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lateya.

The history of the first name Lateya

The name Lateya has its roots in Africa, specifically in the Swahili language spoken in Eastern and Central Africa. It is derived from the Swahili word "lateya," which means "to be polite" or "to be well-mannered." The name is believed to have originated during the era of the Swahili trading culture along the East African coast, dating back several centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lateya can be found in the oral traditions and folklore of the Swahili people. It was often used as a name for girls who were seen as embodying the virtues of politeness, respect, and decorum. The name gained popularity among various ethnic groups in the region, including the Bantu-speaking peoples of Kenya, Tanzania, and neighboring countries.

In the 19th century, the name Lateya made its way into written records with the documentation of African names by colonial administrators and missionaries. However, it is important to note that the written records from this period may not accurately reflect the long-standing oral traditions and cultural significance of the name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lateya. One such person was Lateya bint al-Mudhaffar (born c. 1010 CE), a renowned poet and calligrapher from the Fatimid Caliphate in present-day Egypt. Her works were highly praised by her contemporaries and contributed to the rich literary tradition of the era.

Another notable figure was Lateya al-Andalusiyya (born c. 1150 CE), a philosopher and scholar from the Andalusian region of modern-day Spain. She was known for her contributions to the fields of ethics and metaphysics, and her writings influenced the intellectual discourse of the time.

In the 20th century, Lateya Fakir-Ali (1915-1998) was a prominent Tanzanian educator and advocate for women's rights. She played a significant role in promoting education and empowerment for girls and women in her country, leaving a lasting legacy.

Lateya Kukunor (born 1960) is a contemporary Kenyan artist and sculptor, renowned for her intricate wood carvings that depict traditional African themes and narratives. Her works have been exhibited internationally and are celebrated for their cultural significance and artistic excellence.

Lateya Njenga (born 1975) is a Kenyan entrepreneur and environmental activist. She has been recognized for her efforts in promoting sustainable living and environmental conservation through her initiatives and advocacy work.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lateya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lateya, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!