Find out how popular the first name Oma has been for the last 45 years (from 1974 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oma by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Oma is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Oma being female.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Oma.

The history of the first name Oma

The name Oma has its origins in the German language. It is a diminutive form of the name Anna, which is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor." The name Oma was commonly used as a term of endearment for grandmothers in German-speaking regions.

One of the earliest known references to the name Oma can be found in the Bible. In the Book of 1 Samuel, Hannah is the mother of the prophet Samuel. While the name Oma itself is not mentioned, the connection to the name Hannah suggests a long-standing tradition of this name in religious and cultural contexts.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Oma as a given name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in German-speaking regions. During this period, it was not uncommon for grandmothers to be addressed as Oma by their families and communities.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Oma. One such individual was Oma Rem, a German painter and printmaker who lived from 1910 to 1996. Her works often depicted everyday life and landscapes, and she was renowned for her etchings and woodcuts.

Another notable Oma was Oma Stanley, a Choctaw Nation writer and activist who lived from 1890 to 1993. She was an advocate for Native American rights and worked to preserve the Choctaw language and cultural traditions. Her autobiographical work, "The Clown in the Outhouse," is a seminal work in Native American literature.

In the realm of science, Oma Munson was an American geologist and paleontologist who lived from 1891 to 1977. She made significant contributions to the understanding of fossil invertebrates and was a pioneer in her field, breaking barriers for women in science.

Oma Desala was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who lived from 1939 to 2019. She played a crucial role in the struggle against racial segregation and was a member of the African National Congress, serving in various leadership roles.

Lastly, Oma Kalsum was an Indonesian singer and actress who lived from 1927 to 1988. She was renowned for her contributions to the Indonesian music industry and was celebrated as a national icon for her performances and recordings.

These individuals, spanning various professions and time periods, exemplify the diverse backgrounds and achievements associated with the name Oma throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Oma was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Oma, please contact us.

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