Origin and Meaning of Hadji

One who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca

Origin: Arabic - Derived from the Arabic word 'hajj,' which refers to the pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

• Hadji is often used as a title of honor in Muslim communities, denoting someone who has successfully completed the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca.
• The term is widely used in various cultures with significant Muslim populations, including parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
• Notable bearers of the name include Hadji Murat, a character from Leo Tolstoy's novel of the same name, and several historical figures who were revered in Islamic history.
• Hadji has seen varying popularity within different communities but has not been commonly used as a first name in Western cultures.
• Variations of the name include Hajji and Haji, which retain the same meaning and significance.