Lütfi

Lütfi is a masculine given name of Turkish origin, derived from the Arabic Latif, meaning gentle, kind, or gracious. The Turkish spelling uses an umlaut over the u, Lütfi; it is often transliterated as Lutfi when diacritics are not used. The name has a long-standing presence in Turkish and Ottoman contexts and remains in use in modern Turkey and among Turkish communities abroad.

Etymology and meaning: The name comes from the Arabic Latif (لطيف), with the sense of kindness, gentleness, and benevolence. In Turkish usage, Lütfi carries connotations of graciousness and courtesy.

Usage: Lütfi is traditionally masculine and has been common in the Ottoman era and in contemporary Turkey. It is typically used as a given name rather than a surname. A feminine form found in related languages is Lütfiye or Latifa.

Notable people: Lütfi Kırdar (1887–1961) was a Turkish politician and longtime mayor of Istanbul, a prominent figure in mid-20th-century Turkish public life. Lütfi Akad (1910–2010) was a pioneering Turkish film director who helped shape Yeşilçam cinema and Turkish popular cinema during the 1950s–1970s.