Latarsha is an African American female given name of Swahili origin. It means "good fortune" or "happiness." The name is composed of two parts: "lata," which means "happiness," and "rasha," which means "good." Thus, Latarsha signifies the idea of good luck or happiness.
The name Latarsha gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century. It became more common among African American families who were inspired by the Swahili culture and language. The rise of Black pride movements also contributed to the increase in its usage.
Latarsha has been carried by notable figures such as American actress Latarsha Rose, known for her role in the television series "Everybody Hates Chris," and athlete Latarsha Colander, a former Olympic track and field competitor from the Bahamas. These individuals have helped to further popularize the name and make it more widely recognized.
While not extensively used globally like some other names, Latarsha remains a distinctive and meaningful choice among those who appreciate its Swahili origins and positive connotation. Its unique sound and significance continue to draw parents seeking a memorable and profound name for their daughters.
The name Latarsha experienced a significant rise in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States. The trend began with only five recorded births in 1964, but by 1973, it had peaked at an impressive 157 births. This marked a substantial increase of over 29 times from its initial count.
The peak years for the name Latarsha were between 1971 and 1976. During these years, more than 100 babies were named Latarsha each year, with the highest point being 171 births in 1976. This consistent popularity over several years suggests that the name may have been associated with a popular culture trend or influenced by other societal factors during this period.
However, after reaching its zenith, the popularity of the name Latarsha began to decline steadily. Between 1980 and 1985, there was an approximate reduction of about 76%, from 100 births in 1980 to only 24 births in 1985 (including both 29 births in 1986 and 43 births in 1987). This decrease continued into the early 1990s, with fewer than 20 babies named Latarsha each year from 1990 onwards.
Despite this decline, the name Latarsha remains a part of American naming history. According to the statistics provided, there were a total of 1975 births of girls named Latarsha in the United States between 1964 and 1995. This figure illustrates that while the name may not have maintained its peak popularity throughout this period, it was still chosen frequently enough during these years to leave a notable mark on naming trends.