Tafari

Meaning of Tafari

Imagine strolling through a sun-drenched mercado in Cartagena, where vibrant colors swirl like laughter—that’s the bold, warm energy the name Tafari carries. Rooted in the Amharic tongue of Ethiopia, Tafari means “one who is revered,” an homage to Ras Tafari Makonnen, the future Haile Selassie and spiritual beacon of the Rastafari movement. Its syllables dance off the tongue in Swahili as tah-FAH-ree (/ta.fa.ri/) and in Jamaican Patois as tah-FAH-ree (/tɑːˈfɑː.ri/), evoking reggae rhythms and equatorial dawns. Though still a rare jewel on American birth certificates—hovering around the 894th spot in 2024 with 30 newborns—Tafari whispers strength, warmth, and promise, making it a spirited, soulful choice for a baby boy destined to make his own mark.

Pronunciation

Swahili

• Pronunced as tah-FAH-ree (/ta.fa.ri/)

Jamaican Patois

• Pronunced as tah-FAH-ree (/tɑːˈfɑː.ri/)

• Zaire
• Tarik
• Kwame
• Tariq
• Jabari
• Jafari
• Farai