Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Oma
GirlArabic· “uncertain; possibly Arabic, commander”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly Arabic, commander (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- OH-muh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #276 (1901)
- Peak year
- 1916
Meaning and origin of Oma
Oma is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly Arabic, commander”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and German roots.
Oma is a short name with several unconnected sources. In American records from the late nineteenth century it was a fairly common girls' name, probably formed as a short, pleasing sound or from names like Naomi or Romola. Some name books derive it from Arabic words linked to Umar, meaning long-lived or commander, but the connection is uncertain. In German and Dutch oma is also the everyday word for grandma, which is worth knowing. It is said OH-muh. Oma has a gentle, old-fashioned character, similar to Ora or Ona.
Popularity over time
Oma has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 66 different years. Its best national rank was #276 in 1901, and the most babies received it in 1916, when 284 were named Oma. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #401 in 1920, #1,447 in 1950, and #7,910 in 1980. Of the 9,598 US girls named Oma since records began, 23% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 2,098 babies. Since 2010, 19 more have been named Oma.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Catharine, Harriette, Mayme, Alvina, and Pansy.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Oma is usually pronounced OH-muh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with O and ends in “-ma”.
Middle names for Oma
A few middle names that flow with Oma: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Oma
Similar names
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Lists that include Oma
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Oma mean?
Oma is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly Arabic, commander”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and German roots.
What is the origin of the name Oma?
Oma has Arabic and German roots. Oma is a short name with several unconnected sources.
Is Oma a popular name?
No. Oma was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Oma a boy or girl name?
Oma is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Oma?
Oma is usually pronounced OH-muh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings