Girls · #47 in 2025
Naomi: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Hebrew; separate Japanese usage also exists
- Meaning
- My pleasantness in the Hebrew name
- Pronunciation
- nay-OH-mee or nye-OH-mee in English
- Nickname options
- Nomi, Mimi
Origin and meaning
The biblical Naomi comes from Hebrew and is traditionally understood as my pleasantness. Naomi appears in the Book of Ruth. The same Roman-letter spelling also occurs in Japanese, where meanings depend on the characters used and have a separate origin.
U.S. popularity
Naomi ranked #47 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 4,644 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #44, reached in 2023–2024. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Naomi has a distinctive movement from one vowel to the next. It feels gentle but not slight, and its familiar shape still leaves room for an individual impression. Nomi is an appealing option for families who enjoy an affectionate short form.
Things to consider
Both nay-OH-mee and nye-OH-mee are heard in English. Choose the pronunciation you prefer and model it when introducing the name.
If you love Naomi, consider…
- Noemi: Offers a close relative with a different vowel pattern.
- Nora: Keeps the opening in a shorter shape.
- Maya: Shares the gentle, open-vowel feel.
- Leah: Offers a more compact biblical choice.
- Eliana: Adds a longer, flowing alternative.
- Amara: Keeps the warmth with a different rhythm.
- Miriam: Brings a more consonant-rich traditional sound.
- Lydia: Offers similar poise and three syllables.