Origin and meaning of the name Latasha

The name Latasha is of African American origin and was popularized in the late 20th century within the African-American community in the United States. It is a variant of the name Latashia, which is derived from the name LaTasha, a modern creation that combines the name Laura (meaning "laurel" in Latin) with the diminutive suffix "-ta." The popularity of names like Latasha and LaTasha grew in the 1970s as a way for African Americans to reclaim and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Learn more about the origin of the name Latasha

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Latasha

Latasha is a female given name of African-American origin that emerged during the late 20th century. It's a variant of the name Latasha or Latashia, derived from the African name Nkosi-latsha, meaning "ruler of the people" in Xhosa, a language spoken by the Xhosa people in South Africa. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s as part of a broader trend to give African-derived names to children. Today, Latasha is a commonly used name among African-Americans, particularly in urban communities. It's often associated with strong, independent, and confident personalities due to its meaning and the historical context in which it was popularized.

Character traits associated with the name Latasha

Latasha is often perceived as a dynamic and assertive individual. Her name, originating from African-American culture, is frequently associated with strength and independence. People named Latasha are known for their self-confidence, resilience, and determination. They tend to be outspoken and have a strong sense of personality that can captivate those around them. Additionally, they are often creative, expressive, and passionate individuals who value authenticity and individuality. However, it's important to note that these traits may not apply to every individual named Latasha, as personality is shaped by a multitude of factors beyond one's name.

Popularity of the name Latasha

The first name Latasha has significant popularity in the United States, particularly among African American communities, due to its rise during the mid-20th century. Named after Latin American revolutionary Toussaint Louverture, it peaked in the 1980s and 1990s as a stylish choice for baby girls. In 1993, Latasha became the most popular name for African American girls born in California. However, its popularity has since waned, with a sharp decline observed from the early 2000s. In the current era, while it remains a common name among certain demographics, it is less frequently used compared to its peak years.

Famous people with the name Latasha

Latasha is a name associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Latasha Harlins, an African-American teenager whose death at the hands of a shop owner in 1991 sparked widespread protests and contributed to the LA Riots. In the realm of entertainment, Latasha Alcindor, better known by her stage name Lauryn Hill, is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, rapper, and actress who rose to fame as a member of the Fugees before embarking on a successful solo career. Additionally, Olympic gold medalist Latasha Jenkins, also known as Latasha Colander-Richardson, excelled in track and field events during her athletic career. Lastly, Latasha by Terrence McNally is a play that premiered off-Broadway in 1982, which revolves around a young African-American woman navigating her way through life in Harlem. These figures demonstrate the diversity and impact of individuals named Latasha across different domains.

Variations of the name Latasha

Latasha is a popular feminine given name of African-American origin, particularly common among African Americans and has gained wider usage since the mid-20th century. The name derives from Latashia, which means "bringer of joy" in Hebrew, or "one who brings an obstacle to cross" in Arabic.

There are several variations and spellings of the name Latasha, including:

1. LaTasha
2. Latashia
3. Latasha'e
4. Lataisha
5. LaTashia
6. Latascha
7. Tatiana (a variation with a different origin but pronounced similarly)

These variations maintain the core sound and meaning of the original name while providing options for personal preference in spelling.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "latasha"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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