Oumy first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Oumy has been for the last 20 years (from 2001 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Oumy

A feminine name of Wolof origin meaning "life" or "existence".

Popularity of Oumy by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Oumy is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Oumy.

Year Male Count Female Count
2020 0 5
2019 0 5
2014 0 6
2005 0 5
2003 0 5
2001 0 5

The history of the first name Oumy

The name Oumy is of West African origin, specifically from the Wolof language spoken in Senegal and The Gambia. It is derived from the Arabic name Umm, meaning "mother" or "source." The earliest recorded usage of the name Oumy dates back to the 13th century during the spread of Islam in West Africa.

In Wolof culture, names often carry significant cultural and spiritual meanings. Oumy is associated with nurturing, protection, and fertility, reflecting the reverence for motherhood in traditional Wolof society. The name has been found inscribed on ancient manuscripts and historical documents from the region.

One of the earliest known individuals bearing the name Oumy was Oumy Khayri, a renowned Wolof poet and scholar who lived in the 15th century. Her works, which celebrated the beauty of the Wolof language and culture, have been preserved and studied by literary scholars.

Another notable figure was Oumy Ndiaye, a 17th-century Wolof princess renowned for her bravery and leadership during a period of conflict. She is celebrated in oral traditions and historical accounts for her strategic military prowess and her unwavering commitment to protecting her people.

In the 19th century, Oumy Tall, a Wolof spiritual leader and healer, gained widespread recognition for her expertise in traditional medicine and her profound wisdom. She is credited with preserving numerous ancient healing practices and passing them down to future generations.

Oumy Ndiaye Ba, born in 1876, was a pioneering Senegalese educator and advocate for women's rights. She established one of the first schools for girls in Dakar and played a crucial role in promoting education and empowerment for women in West Africa.

More recently, Oumy Ndour, born in 1952, is a celebrated Senegalese singer and musician. Her powerful voice and captivating performances have earned her international acclaim, and she is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Senegalese music.

While the name Oumy has its roots in West Africa, it has transcended cultural boundaries and is now found in various parts of the world, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and migration.

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

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

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"Oumy first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 7, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/oumy-meaning-and-history/.

"Oumy first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/oumy-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 7 July, 2025

Oumy first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/oumy-meaning-and-history/.

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