Omar

A multicultural choice with an appealing open O sound, Omar blends stately strength with familiarity. Also transcribed as Umar, it is a popular choice among Muslim families and features in the name charts across the globe.
Long associated with the twelfth-century Persian poet, Omar Khayyam, Omar derives from the Arabic umr meaning "life", though is typically interpreted as meaning "flourishing, thriving" and "long living", making it an aspirational choice. In Islamic tradition, Omar (or Umar) was the second caliph (a religious ruler) and companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

Omar is also a Hebrew name, mentioned in the Old Testament, in which it is borne by a son of Eliphaz. In this case, it is derived from the Hebrew amar, meaning "say, speak", though it can also be interpreted as meaning "eloquent".

Occasionally, it may be linked to the Germanic names Ottomar or Othmar, which mean "wealthy and famous".

Notable bearers have been World War II General Omar Bradley and actors Omar Sharif, Omar Epps, and Omar Sy.

Currently in the US Top 300, the name also charts in Azerbaijan, Belgium, England and Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Sweden, revealing its global appeal.

Omar is also given to girls.

Pronounced OH-mar.

As of October 2026, Omar ranked #260 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #131 in 2006, Nameberry popularity #262.