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

Popularity of Tomie by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tomie is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 91% of people named Tomie being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tomie.

The history of the first name Tomie

The name Tomie has its origins in Japan, where it is believed to have derived from the Japanese word "tomi," which means "wealth" or "fortune." This name likely emerged during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japanese history, when it was common to give names that expressed aspirations or positive attributes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tomie can be found in the Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. The name appears as a character in this seminal novel, suggesting its usage during the Heian period.

In Japanese Buddhist traditions, the name Tomie may also be associated with the bodhisattva Tara, known as the embodiment of compassion and spiritual guidance. This connection could have contributed to the name's popularity among certain Buddhist communities in Japan.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tomie. One example is Tomie Ohtake (1913-2015), a renowned Brazilian-Japanese architect and artist who made significant contributions to the modernist movement in Brazil. Another is Tomie Kawakami (1903-1992), a Japanese actress and singer who achieved fame in the early 20th century.

In the realm of literature, Tomie Arai (1901-1923) was a Japanese writer and poet who gained recognition for her lyrical works exploring themes of love and nature. Her poetic legacy continues to be celebrated in Japan.

Moving to more recent times, Tomie dePaola (1934-2020) was an American writer and illustrator of children's books, best known for his Strega Nona series. His work has been widely acclaimed and has introduced generations of children to the joys of reading and storytelling.

While the name Tomie may have originated in Japan, it has transcended cultural boundaries and been adopted by people of various backgrounds worldwide. Its association with wealth, fortune, and spiritual guidance has likely contributed to its enduring appeal across different societies.

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

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

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