Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Taraji

Taraji is the Swahili word for “hope”. Swahili is the indigenous language spoken along the east African coast from northern Kenya to northern Mozambique. In recent decades, African-Americans have brought names over to the United States from the African continent in honor of their heritage, and so we find other Swahili names on the charts today including Imani (which means “faith”) and Amani (which means “peace”). Taraji is another celebration of this naming practice.

All About the Baby Name – Taraji

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME TARAJI

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME TARAJI

Taraji first appeared on the female naming charts in America in 2009. This was likely influenced by talented actress Taraji P. Henson who won accolades for her roles in 2008’s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. She was in the spotlight at 2009’s Academy Awards having been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Henson and her unusual Swahili name were in the news. Once people learned of the name’s meaning (“hope”) they gravitated quickly to it. And who can blame them? Considering all the “hopes” and dreams we have for our children, what better moniker than one which means exactly that – i.e., hope. Taraji increased in popularity the following year (2010) but has since retreated backwards on the charts. This is still a rare name and used only by a handful of parents. It is most popular among Africans-Americans.

Quick Facts

ON TARAJI

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

African-American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

855

PRONUNCIATION:

Uncertain (ta-RAW-jay?)

SIMPLE MEANING:

Hope

Characteristics

OF TARAJI

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Taraji

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME TARAJI

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Taraji

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME TARAJI

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Taraji


Popular Songs

ON TARAJI

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Taraji


Famous People

NAMED TARAJI

Taraji P. Henson (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED TARAJI

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Taraji

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME TARAJI

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Taraji