What does Naomi mean and where does it come from?
Naomi is of Hebrew origin (נָעֳמִי) meaning 'pleasantness.' It appears in the Bible as the mother-in-law of Ruth. The name has been continuously popular since the 19th century and remains widely used today. Notable figures with the name include actress Naomi Watts.
Cultural significance
Naomi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pleasantness.
Peak popularity
Reached #52 in 2020 — currently #44 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Naomi?
Naomi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Naomi Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Naomi Rose
Floral · soft ending
Naomi Mae
Sweet · timeless
Naomi Claire
French influence · crisp
Naomi Jane
Literary · strong
Naomi Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Naomi right now?
Holding steady — currently #44 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #44 | 4,494 | ▲ up 2 |
| 2022 | #46 | 4,498 | ▲ up 8 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #54 | 4,271 | ▼ down 2 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #52 | 4,066 | ▲ up 24 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #76 | 3,761 | ▲ up 19 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #95 | 3,131 | ▲ up 44 · +29% births |
| 2005 | #139 | 2,418 | ▲ up 45 · +38% births |
| 2000 | #184 | 1,752 | ▲ up 29 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #213 | 1,314 | ▲ up 87 · +43% births |
| 1990 | #300 | 922 | ▼ down 60 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #240 | 1,077 | ▼ down 30 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #210 | 1,249 | ▲ up 57 · +39% births |
| 1975 | #267 | 898 | ▲ up 144 · +62% births |
| 1970 | #411 | 555 | ▼ down 33 · -4% births |
| 1965 | #378 | 580 | — |
The story of Naomi
Naomi has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #52 in 2020. More than 168,989 babies have been named Naomi since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #276 in 1880 to #44 in 2023. Naomi is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Naomi in 2020:
Naomi by decade
Naomi peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 629 | |
| 1890s | 2,074 | |
| 1900s | 3,700 | |
| 1910s | 12,048 | |
| 1920s | 18,241 | |
| 1930s | 13,563 | |
| 1940s | 8,954 | |
| 1950s | 7,493 | |
| 1960s | 6,168 | |
| 1970s | 8,449 | |
| 1980s | 10,901 | |
| 1990s | 12,910 | |
| 2000s | 23,720 | |
| 2010s ★ | 36,073 | |
| 2020s | 4,066 | |
What are good nicknames for Naomi?
Famous people named Naomi
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Naomi (historical community leader)
Naomi led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Naomi (historical figure)
Naomi bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Naomi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Naomi also consider these
Common questions about the name Naomi
What does the name Naomi mean?
Naomi means "pleasantness" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Naomi?
Naomi is currently ranked #44 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Naomi?
Naomi originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Naomi?
Naomi is a three-syllable name pronounced N EY0 OW1 M IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Naomi?
Naomi pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.