The name Umar has its origins in Arabic, derived from the Semitic root word ʿamr, which means "life" or "to live". This name has been in use since ancient times in the Middle East and North Africa, where Arabic culture and language have had a significant influence.

In Islamic tradition, Umar is the name of the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, ruling from 634 to 644 CE. His full name was Umar ibn al-Khattab, and he is revered as one of the most influential and powerful rulers in early Islamic history. He played a crucial role in the expansion of the Islamic empire and the spread of the religion during his reign.

The earliest recorded use of the name Umar can be found in various Islamic texts and historical records from the 7th century CE onwards. It has been a popular name among Muslims for centuries, often given to commemorate the legacy of the second caliph.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Umar. One of the earliest was Umar ibn Abi Rabi'ah (644-719 CE), a renowned Arabic poet from the Umayyad period. Another prominent figure was Umar Khayyam (1048-1131 CE), a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet, best known for his work on the reform of the calendar and his poetic masterpiece, the Rubaiyat.

In the medieval period, Umar al-Suhrawardi (1145-1234 CE) was a renowned Sufi mystic and founder of the Suhrawardiyya order, while Umar ibn al-Farid (1181-1235 CE) was an influential Arab mystic and poet from Egypt.

Moving into the modern era, Umar Mukhtar (1862-1931) was a prominent Libyan resistance leader who fought against Italian colonization, and Umar Bashir (1944-2008) was a prominent Sudanese politician and military officer who served as the President of Sudan from 1989 to 2019.

These examples illustrate the widespread use and recognition of the name Umar across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its deep-rooted Arabic origins and its enduring popularity within the Islamic world.