Omar Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationOH-mar / ˈoʊ.mɑrArabic; Hebrew
Meaning
Arabic: flourishing; Hebrew: speaker
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Omar has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the root 'ʿ-m-r,' which means 'to flourish' or 'to live long.' The name is often interpreted to mean 'long-lived' or 'eloquent.' It has been transliterated into various forms across different languages, including 'Omar' in English, which entered the language through the influence of Arabic culture and Islamic history, particularly during the medieval period when the Islamic Golden Age facilitated the spread of Arabic names into Europe.
Historically, one of the most significant figures bearing this name is Omar ibn al-Khattab, who was the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate from 634 to 644 CE. His leadership is noted for the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire and the establishment of administrative and judicial systems that influenced subsequent Islamic governance. Omar's contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his role in the compilation of the Quran have cemented his legacy, making the name Omar particularly revered in Islamic culture. The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the works of medieval scholars and poets.
Culturally, the name Omar carries connotations of strength, wisdom, and leadership, reflecting the qualities associated with its most famous bearers. In Islamic tradition, the name is often linked to virtues such as justice and integrity, further enhancing its significance within Muslim communities. The name has also been adopted in various forms across cultures, with diminutives like 'Omi' appearing in some contexts, although the primary form remains prevalent. Overall, Omar's historical and cultural resonance contributes to its enduring presence in various societies.
Trend Summary
Omar has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Omer
- Umar
International Variants
- Omar (Spanish)
- Omer (Hebrew)
- Umar (Arabic)
Famous people named Omar
Omar Epps is an actor best known for House, Juice, and Love & Basketball.
Omar Sharif is an actor best known for Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and Funny Girl.
Omar Khayyam is a poet and mathematician best known for the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and his contributions to mathematics.
Fictional characters named Omar
Omar Little is a fictional character from the TV series The Wire. He is a notorious stick-up man known for his code of ethics and his confrontations with the drug trade in Baltimore.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Omar was first seen in the United States in 1880. Omar has ranked as high as #231 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Omar has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Omar (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 238 | |
TX | 210 | |
NY | 116 | |
IL | 66 | |
FL | 60 | |
AZ | 53 | |
MI | 52 | |
VA | 40 | |
PA | 39 | |
OH | 38 | |
NC | 35 | |
GA | 32 | |
WA | 31 | |
MN | 25 | |
MA | 20 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 14 |
1881 | 11 |
1882 | 11 |
1883 | 13 |
1884 | 6 |
1885 | 15 |
1886 | 14 |
1887 | 10 |
1888 | 19 |
1889 | 11 |
1890 | 16 |
1891 | 5 |
1892 | 16 |
1893 | 14 |
1894 | 10 |
1895 | 22 |
1896 | 11 |
1897 | 19 |
1898 | 12 |
1899 | 17 |
1900 | 10 |
1901 | 8 |
1902 | 8 |
1903 | 15 |
1904 | 8 |
1905 | 16 |
1906 | 12 |
1907 | 15 |
1908 | 10 |
1909 | 14 |
1910 | 13 |
1911 | 21 |
1912 | 44 |
1913 | 52 |
1914 | 59 |
1915 | 70 |
1916 | 92 |
1917 | 80 |
1918 | 109 |
1919 | 116 |
1920 | 88 |
1921 | 96 |
1922 | 81 |
1923 | 81 |
1924 | 86 |
1925 | 90 |
1926 | 71 |
1927 | 79 |
1928 | 78 |
1929 | 63 |
1930 | 65 |
1931 | 47 |
1932 | 67 |
1933 | 62 |
1934 | 49 |
1935 | 60 |
1936 | 44 |
1937 | 51 |
1938 | 36 |
1939 | 38 |
1940 | 43 |
1941 | 48 |
1942 | 40 |
1943 | 43 |
1944 | 45 |
1945 | 48 |
1946 | 52 |
1947 | 48 |
1948 | 55 |
1949 | 64 |
1950 | 64 |
1951 | 63 |
1952 | 63 |
1953 | 70 |
1954 | 77 |
1955 | 67 |
1956 | 82 |
1957 | 77 |
1958 | 85 |
1959 | 91 |
1960 | 96 |
1961 | 115 |
1962 | 109 |
1963 | 116 |
1964 | 139 |
1965 | 150 |
1966 | 200 |
1967 | 247 |
1968 | 316 |
1969 | 448 |
1970 | 552 |
1971 | 536 |
1972 | 645 |
1973 | 786 |
1974 | 809 |
1975 | 892 |
1976 | 1,137 |
1977 | 1,226 |
1978 | 1,293 |
1979 | 1,381 |
1980 | 1,445 |
1981 | 1,434 |
1982 | 1,385 |
1983 | 1,274 |
1984 | 1,271 |
1985 | 1,217 |
1986 | 1,312 |
1987 | 1,287 |
1988 | 1,426 |
1989 | 1,631 |
1990 | 1,978 |
1991 | 2,135 |
1992 | 2,306 |
1993 | 2,453 |
1994 | 2,419 |
1995 | 2,506 |
1996 | 2,518 |
1997 | 2,291 |
1998 | 2,452 |
1999 | 2,671 |
2000 | 2,687 |
2001 | 2,723 |
2002 | 2,622 |
2003 | 2,705 |
2004 | 2,725 |
2005 | 2,967 |
2006 | 3,105 |
2007 | 3,216 |
2008 | 2,864 |
2009 | 2,548 |
2010 | 2,167 |
2011 | 1,886 |
2012 | 1,921 |
2013 | 1,882 |
2014 | 1,807 |
2015 | 1,836 |
2016 | 1,734 |
2017 | 1,642 |
2018 | 1,582 |
2019 | 1,485 |
2020 | 1,386 |
2021 | 1,304 |
2022 | 1,453 |
2023 | 1,311 |
2024 | 1,343 |