What does Uma mean and where does it come from?
Uma is a name of Sanskrit origin, widely recognized in Indian culture as a name for the goddess Parvati, who is associated with love, devotion, and fertility. It is a popular name in India and has found usage in various forms across different cultures, including Indonesian where it also carries cult
Cultural significance
Uma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sanskrit-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sanskrit.
Peak popularity
Reached #2337 in 2006 — currently #2487 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sanskrit-speaking countries-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Uma?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Uma?
Uma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Uma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Uma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Uma Claire
French influence · crisp
Uma Jane
Literary · strong
Uma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Uma right now?
Holding steady — currently #2487 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2487 | 72 | ▼ down 2 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #2485 | 73 | ▲ up 46 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #2531 | 70 | ▼ down 42 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #2489 | 69 | ▲ up 197 · +5% births |
| 2015 | #2686 | 66 | ▲ up 196 · +10% births |
| 2010 | #2882 | 60 | ▼ down 265 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #2617 | 65 | ▲ up 65 · +18% births |
| 2000 | #2682 | 55 | ▲ up 2627 · +206% births |
| 1995 | #5309 | 18 | ▲ up 8197 · +260% births |
| 1990 | #13506 | 5 | ▼ down 4947 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #8559 | 7 | ▼ down 957 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #7602 | 6 | — |
The story of Uma
Uma is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 1,565 total births recorded, Uma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7602 in 1970 to #2487 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Uma in 2006:
Uma by decade
Uma peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 13 | |
| 1970s | 34 | |
| 1980s | 41 | |
| 1990s | 170 | |
| 2000s | 559 | |
| 2010s ★ | 679 | |
| 2020s | 69 | |
💎With 1,565 total births, Uma is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Uma?
What names sound and feel like Uma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Uma also consider these
How is Uma written in other languages?
Hindi), ఉమా
Telugu), ಉಮಾ (Kannada), ഉമാ (Malayalam), உமா (Tamil
Common questions about the name Uma
What does the name Uma mean?
Uma means "Sanskrit" — a name rooted in Sanskrit-speaking countries 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 Uma?
Uma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Uma?
Uma originates from Sanskrit-speaking countries tradition. Sanskrit-speaking countries 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 Uma?
Uma is a two-syllable name pronounced Y UW1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Uma a common or rare name?
Uma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.