What does Omar mean and where does it come from?
Though Omar is traditionally a male name, it has been used for females in some cultures. The name has roots in Arabic and has been popularized by notable figures such as Omar Sharif, a renowned Egyptian actor. The name has deep cultural significance and is prevalent in Islamic contexts.
Cultural significance
Omar has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of flourishing, long-lived.
Peak popularity
Reached #260 in 2024 — currently #260 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Omar?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Omar?
Omar works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Omar Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Omar John
One syllable · timeless choice
Omar Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Omar Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Omar Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Omar Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Omar right now?
Holding steady — currently #260 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #260 | 1,333 | stable · -1% births |
| 2024 | #260 | 1,345 | ▲ up 3 · +3% births |
| 2023 | #263 | 1,311 | ▼ down 20 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #243 | 1,453 | ▲ up 24 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #267 | 1,304 | ▲ up 16148 · +25980% births |
| 2015 | #16415 | 5 | ▲ up 585 |
| 2010 | #17000 | 5 | ▼ down 6239 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #10761 | 8 | ▼ down 5534 · -56% births |
| 1995 | #5227 | 18 | ▲ up 1259 · +38% births |
| 1990 | #6486 | 13 | ▲ up 1104 · +63% births |
| 1985 | #7590 | 8 | ▼ down 2330 · -38% births |
| 1980 | #5260 | 13 | ▼ down 1300 · -19% births |
| 1975 | #3960 | 16 | ▲ up 3134 · +167% births |
| 1970 | #7094 | 6 | — |
The story of Omar
Omar entered American naming records in 1929 and has been in use for over 95 years. More than 100,108 babies have been named Omar since 1929. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7094 in 1970 to #263 in 2023. Omar is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Omar in 2024:
Omar by decade
Omar peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 124 | |
| 1890s | 142 | |
| 1900s | 116 | |
| 1910s | 656 | |
| 1920s | 819 | |
| 1930s | 519 | |
| 1940s | 491 | |
| 1950s | 739 | |
| 1960s | 1,951 | |
| 1970s | 9,373 | |
| 1980s | 13,811 | |
| 1990s | 23,838 | |
| 2000s ★ | 28,211 | |
| 2010s | 17,940 | |
| 2020s | 4,056 | |
What are good nicknames for Omar?
Famous people named Omar
O(
Omar (historical Arab ruler)
Omar held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
O(
Omar (Sufi mystic)
Omar used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
O(
Omar (Islamic scholar)
Omar bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
O(
Omar (Quranic figure)
Omar appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Omar?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Omar also consider these
Common questions about the name Omar
What does the name Omar mean?
Omar means "flourishing, long-lived" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Omar?
Omar is currently ranked #263 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 Omar?
Omar originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic 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 Omar?
Omar is a two-syllable name pronounced OH-mahr. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Omar more of a girl or boy name?
Omar is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.