Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Rumi
UnisexPersian, Arabic· “after the Persian poet Rumi”
- Meaning
- after the Persian poet Rumi
- Origin
- Persian, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- ROO-mee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,283
- US babies 2025
- 175
- Best rank
- #1,283 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Rumi
Rumi is a Persian and Arabic name that is usually said to mean “after the Persian poet Rumi”.
Rumi comes from the name of the thirteenth-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, whose Masnavi is one of the great works of Persian literature. The epithet Rumi means from Rum, the name then used for Anatolia, the former Byzantine lands where he spent most of his life. His poetry has become widely read in English translation, making the name familiar far beyond Persian-speaking communities. As a given name Rumi is used for both boys and girls and is said ROO-mee. Coincidentally, Rumi is also an unrelated Japanese girls' name. It suits parents drawn to poetry and spiritual traditions.
Popularity over time
Rumi first appears in US Social Security records in 2002. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,283, and its highest count, 175 babies. Use has grown 525% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #16,568 in 2010 and #1,283 in 2025. Of the 953 US girls named Rumi since records began, 71% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 256 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Wylie, Shia, Navi, Cove, and Emrys.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rumi ranked highest in California, Washington, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #713 | 44 |
| Washington | #801 | 8 |
| New York | #893 | 18 |
| Maryland | #970 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #1141 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Rumi is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 59% of US babies named Rumi were girls and 41% were boys.
Rumi is usually pronounced ROO-mee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-mi”.
Middle names for Rumi
A few middle names that flow with Rumi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rumi
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Lists that include Rumi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rumi mean?
Rumi is a Persian and Arabic name that is usually said to mean “after the Persian poet Rumi”.
What is the origin of the name Rumi?
Rumi has Persian and Arabic roots. Rumi comes from the name of the thirteenth-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, whose Masnavi is one of the great works of Persian literature.
Is Rumi a popular name?
Not especially. Rumi ranked #1,283 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rumi a boy or girl name?
Rumi is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 59% of US babies named Rumi were girls and 41% were boys.
How do you pronounce Rumi?
Rumi is usually pronounced ROO-mee. 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