Latarsha

Meaning & origin

Latarsha is a modern invented name that emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1964. It belongs to a style of names formed by attaching the prefix La- to an existing name, a pattern that flourished particularly in African American naming traditions during the 1970s. The name achieved its highest usage in 1976, its peak year, and has since seen a gradual decline to very low frequency. While its precise meaning remains uncertain, its structure reflects a creative and culturally specific naming practice. Latarsha has not ranked among the top 1,000 names in any recent year, and its trajectory is stable at a very low level. It is typically used for girls, and no top states for the name have been recorded in the available data. The name's appeal lies in its distinctive sound and the cultural resonance of its era.

Latarsha first appeared in U.S. records in the 1960s, during a period when many creative names formed by adding the prefix La- to existing names became popular, especially among African American families. The second element may echo names like Tarsha, a variant of Tasha, itself a diminutive of Natasha. The name peaked in usage in 1976 and has since declined, remaining in steady but infrequent use.