Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Naomi

The name Naomi is borne from the Bible as the wise mother-in-law of Ruth, and her name is from the Hebrew word for “pleasant, sweet.” After losing both her sons and her husband, she sets off for Bethlehem with Ruth asking the townspeople to call her “Mara” (meaning ‘bitter’) instead of Naomi, “because the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20). In Bethlehem, Naomi helps to orchestrate the marriage between Ruth and Boaz, a land-owning relative, and goes onto help raise their son. She gives new meaning to the words “mother-in-law”! The given name Naomi has been traditionally used by Jewish people, but it has become more wide-spread since the 20th century.

All About the Baby Name – Naomi

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME NAOMI

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME NAOMI

In America, Naomi does not enter the Top 100 list of most-favored girls’ names until 2010, although it has remained on the charts for over a century. The low-point for the name’s usage came in the 1950s, 60s and 70s during which time it was bestowed upon little girls very moderately. By the 1990s, the name starts to show an upswing in popularity. Between 1991 and 2010, Naomi has increased over 200 positions on the charts, and finally landed into the Top 100. Who’s surprised? It’s a beautifully, delicate name that brings to life its etymology: sweet and pleasant. Just beware. Sophomoric young boys have indicated to us the name’s backward spelling (I moan). If you can set aside this childish silliness, then embrace the name. It’s old-school yet modern. A beautiful choice for a girl’s name. Soft, delicate, and lyrical.

Quick Facts

ON NAOMI

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

87

PRONUNCIATION:

nay-OH-mee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Pleasant, sweet

Characteristics

OF NAOMI

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Naomi

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NAOMI

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Naomi

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NAOMI

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Naomi


Popular Songs

ON NAOMI

Naomi Gonna Be with Ruth
a song by ApologetiX

Famous People

NAMED NAOMI

Naomi Campbell (model)
Naomi Judd (country musician)
Naomi Wolf (American author)
Naomi Watts (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NAOMI

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Naomi

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NAOMI

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Naomi