Naomi is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "נָעֳמִי" which means "pleasantness" or "agreeable". The name Naomi was borne by the mother-in-law of Ruth in the Old Testament book of Ruth.
In the Bible, Naomi's name is initially Orpah but she changes it to Naomi after she returns to her hometown of Bethlehem following the death of her husband and sons. She chooses this new name because she believes that God has afflicted her and left her childless. In Hebrew, "Naomi" translates to "pleasantness", which seems ironic given her tragic circumstances.
Despite its somber biblical context, Naomi is often associated with positivity due to its meaning of pleasantness or agreeableness. It is a name that has been popular throughout history, particularly in Jewish communities, and continues to be used today across various cultures and religions. Some notable figures named Naomi include American singer-songwriter Naomi Judd, Israeli actress Naomi Grossman, and Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka.
In summary, Naomi is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin meaning "pleasantness" or "agreeable". It has biblical roots as the name of Ruth's mother-in-law but has since become popular worldwide due to its appealing sound and positive connotations.
The name Naomi has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with its popularity fluctuating over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Naomi varied year by year. From 1880 to 1897, there were fewer than 300 births each year. However, starting in 1898, the number of babies named Naomi began to rise, reaching over 500 births per year by 1902.
The peak of popularity for the name Naomi occurred between the years 1914 and 1920, with over 1600 births each year. In fact, in 1918, there were 1692 births, making it the most popular year for the name Naomi in the United States.
After 1920, the popularity of the name Naomi began to decline. Between 1930 and 1950, the number of babies named Naomi fluctuated between 700 and 800 births per year. However, starting in the late 1960s, the popularity of the name Naomi began to rise again.
From 1970 to 2023, there were over 500 births each year for the name Naomi. The most recent data from 2023 shows that there were 4456 births, indicating that the name Naomi remains popular among parents today.
Overall, the name Naomi has had a long and varied history of popularity in the United States. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it has consistently been a popular choice for parents looking for a classic and timeless name for their daughters.