Hadji

Hadji, also spelled Haji, Hajji, or Hadji, is an honorific title used in various Muslim communities for a person who has completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The term derives from the Arabic al-Hajj, meaning “the pilgrim.” In English and other languages, the spelling varies by region and tradition, and the word can appear as a given name or surname in some cases.

Usage and regional variation: In South Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and parts of Africa, the title is often prefixed to a person’s name as a sign of respect or status. It can also function as a personal name or nickname. Spelling and social significance differ by community; in some contexts the title is a formal designation, while in others it may be used more casually.

In popular culture and literature, the name appears in various forms. Hadji is a fictional character in the 1960s animated series Jonny Quest, depicted as a young ally from the Himalayas. Hajji Baba of Ispahan is the title character of James Morier’s 1824 novel, a usage that helped popularize an alternate spelling of the name.

See also: Hajji, Haji, Hajj. Note: The term carries religious and cultural significance, and its use can carry different connotations across communities and over time.