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Home › Baby Names Directory › Taras

Taras

♂ Boy

Pronounced TAH-rahs /ˈtɑː.rɑs/Medium

Meaning: Taras is a Ukrainian given name, borne most famously by the national poet Taras Shevchenko; it traces to a Greek name (Taras, the mythical founder of Tarentum). The deeper meaning is debated, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A proud Slavic name: Taras honors Ukraine's beloved poet Taras Shevchenko (said 'TAH-rahs'). Its older roots are debated, which we note.
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Origin LowUkrainian, Greek
MeaningTaras is a Ukrainian given name, borne most famously by the national poet Taras Shevchenko; it traces to a Greek name (Taras, the mythical founder of Tarentum). The deeper meaning is debated, which we note.
U.S. rank (2025)#13673 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1969
Total births (all-time)≈ 671

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196919222025

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

Taras is a well-loved Ukrainian name, best known through poet Taras Shevchenko; it descends from a Greek name linked to the legendary founder of Tarentum. The precise meaning is debated, which we note (said 'TAH-rahs').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely as a boys' name. Rare, heritage-rich, and strong.

Did you know? Taras is carried by Ukraine's national poet Taras Shevchenko — a name of Greek origin tied to Taras, mythical founder of the city Tarentum. Its deeper meaning is debated, which we note (said 'TAH-rahs').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Taras — Ukrainian/Greek name; poet Taras Shevchenko; meaning debated

Variations

TaraTarass

Nicknames

TarRasik

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Taras…

Boris— a like Slavic strong-sounding pick
Lukas— a like two-beat name of Greek root
Cyrus— a like ancient, s-close name
Marek— a like Slavic heritage choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Taras mean?

Taras is a Ukrainian and Greek name, famed through poet Taras Shevchenko; its older roots are debated, which we note.

How do you pronounce Taras?

It's said TAH-rahs /ˈtɑː.rɑs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Taras a boy or girl name?

Here Taras is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Taras?

Taras is a rare name for boys in the U.S., with deeper roots in Ukraine.

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