Find out how popular the first name Omar has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Omar by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Omar is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Omar being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,306 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Omar.

The history of the first name Omar

The name Omar has its roots in the Arabic language and is derived from the word "aamara," which means "to live" or "to thrive." It is a name that has been in use since the early days of Islam, and its origins can be traced back to the 7th century.

One of the earliest and most notable historical figures to bear the name Omar was Omar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. He ruled from 634 to 644 CE and played a crucial role in the expansion of the Islamic empire. Omar is remembered for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his efforts to establish a system of governance based on the principles of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

The name Omar appears in several ancient texts and religious scriptures, including the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). In the Quran, the name is mentioned in the context of a righteous man who was guided by God. This association with righteousness and spiritual guidance has contributed to the name's enduring popularity among Muslims.

Throughout history, numerous notable individuals have borne the name Omar. One of the earliest recorded examples is Omar Khayyam, a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet who lived from 1048 to 1131 CE. His contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy were significant, and his poetic works, particularly the Rubaiyat, have become widely celebrated.

Another prominent figure was Omar Mukhtar, a Libyan revolutionary and resistance leader who fought against Italian colonization in the early 20th century. He was born in 1858 and executed by the Italian authorities in 1931, but his legacy as a symbol of resistance and national unity in Libya remains strong.

In the realm of literature, Omar Lara Ressurreccion, a Filipino writer and poet, made significant contributions to the literary landscape of his country. He was born in 1907 and passed away in 1979, leaving behind a rich body of work that explored themes of nationalism, social justice, and cultural identity.

Lastly, Omar Sharif, an Egyptian actor, was a prominent figure in the world of cinema. Born in 1932, he achieved international fame for his performances in films such as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago." His charismatic presence and acting talent earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Omar, a name that carries a rich cultural heritage and a strong association with spiritual guidance, righteousness, and resilience.

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 Omar was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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