Is Taraji a boy's or girl's name?

Taraji is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 50 recorded births.

When was Taraji most popular?

Taraji reached its peak popularity in 2010 with 423 births that year. It is currently ranked #4269 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Taraji?

Taraji is currently ranked #4269 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 2,749 babies since 2002.

Taraji

A Swahili name gently fading from the charts.

Girl's name| Also boysSwahiliDeclining Also a pet name

#4269▼ 8in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Taraji is a girl's and boy's baby name of Swahili origin meaning 'hope, faith, confidence.' The word carries a sense of forward-looking trust — the belief that good things are coming and that the future holds promise.

Taraji became a name with major cultural presence through actress Taraji P. Henson, whose powerful performances in Empire and Hidden Figures brought the name to international audiences. It carries both the depth of its Swahili meaning and the bold confidence of a name that has been worn with extraordinary grace. With over 2,700 recorded births, it has a devoted following.

Compare Taraji with another name

Popularity Over Time

Taraji has 21+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2002.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Taraji
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	217	#3724	▼
2010s	2,118	#1393	▲
2000s	414	#7044	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(21 years, 2002–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Taraji
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	34	#4269	0
2023	34	#4261	0
2022	34	#4282	-20 (-37.0%)
2021	54	#3064	-7 (-11.5%)
2020	61	#2745	-10 (-14.1%)
2019	71	#2504	-18 (-20.2%)
2018	89	#2144	-25 (-21.9%)
2017	114	#1823	-33 (-22.4%)
2016	147	#1539	-85 (-36.6%)
2015	232	#1113	+32 (16.0%)
2014	200	#1225	+8 (4.2%)
2013	192	#1247	-119 (-38.3%)
2012	311	#858	-28 (-8.3%)
2011	339	#800	-84 (-19.9%)
2010	423	#680	+109 (34.7%)
2009	314	#878	+285 (982.8%)
2008	29	#5125	+8 (38.1%)
2007	21	#6528	-13 (-38.2%)
2006	34	#4353	+27 (385.7%)
2005	7	#14371	-2 (-22.2%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Taraji as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Taraji has also been given to 50 boys in the U.S. since 2006.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2010

Peak year

Compare Taraji as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Taraji be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Taraji is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #4269. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Taraji has two lives

Taraji, the baby name

#4269girls

2,749 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (2002–2024) · Methodology