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Taraji

♀ Girl

Pronounced tah-RAH-jee /tɑˈrɑ.dʒi/Medium

Meaning: From Swahili taraji, 'hope, expectation'Medium

In 30 seconds: Full of hope: Taraji is Swahili for 'hope, expectation' — warm, uplifting, and bright (actress Taraji P. Henson). A name of optimism.

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Origin MediumSwahili

MeaningFrom Swahili taraji, 'hope, expectation'

U.S. rank (2025)#7853 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births14 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2010

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,763

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Taraji comes from Swahili taraji, 'hope, expectation'. A warm, uplifting name (made famous by actress Taraji P. Henson), it carries optimism and faith in the future.

In the U.S. it appears across communities. Rare, hope at the root, and uplifting.

Did you know? Taraji means 'hope' in Swahili — and actress Taraji P. Henson made the name beloved; it's a warm, optimistic name with East African roots.

Overall data confidence 78%

Swahili references — taraji — etymology

Variations

Tarajie

Nicknames

Tara

Famous Bearers

★Taraji P. Henson (1970-)
American actress known for roles in 'Empire', 'Person of Interest', and the film 'Hidden Figures'

If you like Taraji…

Imani— a fellow Swahili virtue-name

Zuri— a companion Swahili name

Amani— the 'peace, hope' Swahili name

Nia— another Swahili-rooted name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Taraji mean?

Taraji is Swahili for 'hope, expectation'.

How do you pronounce Taraji?

It's said tah-RAH-jee /tɑˈrɑ.dʒi/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Taraji a boy or girl name?

Taraji is a girl's name.

How popular is Taraji?

Taraji is a rare name in the U.S.