Atif

Atif is a masculine given name of Arabic origin that is widely used in Muslim-majority regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, as well as among diaspora communities. The name is typically associated with compassion and empathy.

Origin and meaning: The name derives from the Arabic root ع-ط-ف (ʿ-ṯf), meaning "compassion" or "empathy." In Arabic, Atif (عاطف) denotes someone who is affectionate or compassionate.

Variants and transliterations: spellings include Atif, Atef, and Aatif, reflecting regional pronunciation and transliteration conventions. The name appears in Urdu, Persian, Turkish, and other languages that borrow Arabic given names.

Notable people: The best-known bearer is Atif Aslam (born 1983), a Pakistani singer and actor who rose to prominence in the early 2000s and has released many popular songs in South Asia.

Usage notes: As with many Arabic names, Atif is used across cultures and religious affiliations in regions where Arabic names are common; it is typically a given name rather than a surname.