What does Taraji mean and where does it come from?
The name Taraji is of African origin, particularly from the Swahili language. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is associated with the meaning of hope. Taraji P. Henson, an acclaimed American actress known for her roles in 'Empire' and 'Hidden Figures', has contributed to the name's
Cultural significance
Taraji has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hope.
Peak popularity
Reached #680 in 2010 — currently #7853 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Taraji?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Taraji?
Taraji works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Taraji Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Taraji Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Taraji Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Taraji Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Taraji Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Taraji Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Taraji right now?
Falling — down 3569 spots — currently #7853 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7853 | 14 | ▼ down 3569 · -59% births |
| 2024 | #4284 | 34 | ▼ down 3496 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #788 | 1,412 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #793 | 1,392 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #798 | 1,362 | ▲ up 1923 · +2133% births |
| 2020 | #2721 | 61 | ▼ down 1605 · -73% births |
| 2015 | #1116 | 230 | ▼ down 436 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #680 | 423 | ▲ up 13530 · +5943% births |
| 2005 | #14210 | 7 | — |
The story of Taraji
Taraji is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2002. With 2,639 total births recorded, Taraji remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14210 in 2005 to #788 in 2023. Taraji is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Taraji in 2010:
Taraji by decade
Taraji peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 2000s | 432 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,146 | |
| 2020s | 109 | |
💎With 2,639 total births, Taraji is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Taraji?
What names sound and feel like Taraji?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Taraji also consider these
Common questions about the name Taraji
What does the name Taraji mean?
Taraji means "hope" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Taraji?
Taraji is currently ranked #788 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Taraji?
Taraji originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Taraji?
Taraji is a three-syllable name pronounced TAH-ruj-EE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Taraji?
Taraji pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.