Uma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: OO-mah /uː.mə/
Origin: Sanskrit; Hebrew
Meaning: Sanskrit: light, nation; Hebrew: my people
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Uma has its roots in Sanskrit, where it is derived from the word 'उमा' (Umā), which means 'splendor' or 'tranquility.' In Hindu mythology, Uma is often associated with the goddess Parvati, who is the consort of Lord Shiva. The name has been used in various forms across different cultures and languages, but its primary significance remains tied to its Sanskrit origins.
The transition of the name into English can be traced through the influence of Indian culture and religion, particularly during the British colonial period when interest in Indian philosophy and mythology grew in the West. Historically, Uma has been a significant figure in Hindu texts, notably in the Puranas, which date back to the early centuries of the Common Era.
The goddess Uma is revered in various forms and is often depicted as embodying feminine strength and devotion. Her stories and attributes have been integral to Hindu worship and cultural practices, particularly in relation to marriage and motherhood.
The name has also appeared in classical literature and art, further embedding it in the cultural consciousness. Culturally, the name Uma resonates with themes of beauty, grace, and strength, reflecting the qualities attributed to the goddess.
It has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including literature and cinema, where characters named Uma often embody these ideals. The name's simplicity and elegance contribute to its lasting appeal, and it is sometimes affectionately shortened to forms like Umi in certain contexts.
Overall, Uma carries a rich historical and cultural significance that underscores its enduring presence in both religious and secular spheres.
Famous people named Uma
In this section, you will find notable people named Uma. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Uma who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Uma who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Uma Thurman is an actress best known for Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, and Kill Bill: Vol. 2.
Fictional characters named Uma
The following list of fictional characters named Uma is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Uma is a fictional character from the Disney Channel movie Descendants 2. She is the daughter of Ursula and leads a group of villains who challenge the protagonists from Auradon.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Uma, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Uma. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Uma was first seen in the United States in 1961.
Uma has ranked as high as #1302 nationally, which occurred in 2006, and has been most popular in California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Uma has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Uma is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Uma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Uma (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 16 | |
| NY | 6 | |
| TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Uma.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 63 |
| 2023 | 72 |
| 2022 | 73 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2020 | 70 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2016 | 69 |
| 2015 | 66 |
| 2014 | 78 |
| 2013 | 57 |
| 2012 | 77 |
| 2011 | 61 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2009 | 60 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2007 | 70 |
| 2006 | 81 |
| 2005 | 65 |
| 2004 | 57 |
| 2003 | 48 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1996 | 25 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1982 | 7 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1980 | 7 |
| 1979 | 7 |
| 1978 | 7 |
| 1976 | 5 |
| 1972 | 8 |
| 1970 | 6 |
| 1966 | 8 |
| 1961 | 5 |