Taraji Girl

Popularity: #934 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: tah-RAH-jee //təˈrɑː.dʒi//

Origin: African; Swahili

Meaning: Hope (Swahili); To be blessed (African)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Taraji has its roots in the Swahili language, where it means "hope" or "to hope." Swahili, a Bantu language, developed along the East African coast and incorporates elements from Arabic, Portuguese, and English due to historical trade and cultural exchanges. The name Taraji reflects the linguistic and cultural influences of the region, showcasing the significance of hope as a central theme in many African cultures.

It is often used in various contexts, symbolizing aspiration and positivity. Historically, the use of the name Taraji can be traced back to the 20th century, particularly in the context of African literature and arts.

The name gained prominence through its association with notable figures in the arts, such as Taraji P. Henson, an American actress whose work has resonated with audiences globally.

While the name itself may not have deep historical milestones like some biblical or royal names, its cultural significance has been amplified through modern storytelling and representation in media. Culturally, Taraji embodies a sense of resilience and optimism, qualities that are often celebrated in various African narratives.

The name is sometimes used in literary works and songs, reinforcing its association with hope and aspiration. The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its positive connotations, making it a meaningful choice for many families.

In some contexts, diminutive forms or variations may exist, but Taraji itself remains a powerful standalone name that captures the essence of hope.

Famous people named Taraji

In this section, you will find notable people named Taraji. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Taraji who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Taraji who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Taraji P. Henson is an actress best known for Empire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Hidden Figures.

Taraji Henson is a singer and actress best known for her role in The Best of Enemies.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Taraji, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

TariqTaliaTariTaraJahiZuriAmaraAmani

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Taraji was first seen in the United States in 2002.

Taraji has ranked as high as #1240 nationally, which occurred in 2010, and has been most popular in Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and New York.

In the past 5 years the name Taraji has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Taraji is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Taraji was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Taraji.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 14 0 14
2024 34 0 34
2023 34 0 34
2022 34 0 34
2021 54 0 54
2020 61 0 61
2019 71 0 71
2018 89 0 89
2017 114 0 114
2016 147 0 147
2015 233 0 233
2014 206 6 200
2013 192 0 192
2012 316 5 311
2011 346 7 339
2010 437 14 423
2009 327 13 314
2008 29 0 29
2007 21 0 21
2006 39 5 34
2005 7 0 7
2002 9 0 9

Top States for Taraji (2023)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
FL 6
100%