Origin and Meaning of Hanif

True believer, one who inclines towards faith

Origin: Arabic - Derived from the Arabic root 'ḥ-n-f' which means to incline or to be devoted to the faith.

• Hanif is a term that originally refers to monotheists or those who maintain a pure belief in one God before the advent of Islam.
• The name is popular in various Muslim countries and communities, often given to boys as a form of respect to the concept of monotheism.
• Notable bearers of the name include Hanif Kureishi, a British novelist and playwright, and Hanif Mohammad, a famous Pakistani cricketer.
• The popularity of the name Hanif has fluctuated over the years, often linked to cultural and religious trends within Muslim populations.
• Variations of the name Hanif can be found, such as Haneef and Haneff, which may carry similar meanings and usage.