Naomi Name Meaning and Origin

Naomi is a common Jewish name of Hebrew origin that can be found in the Old Testament. Naomi is Ruth's mother-in-law in the Hebrew Bible. The name of Naomi is considered symbolic and often bestowed upon girls on Shavuot when the story of Ruth is read in the synagogue. Naomi also means "pleasant one," "above all," and "beauty." Interestingly, Naomi has separate Japanese origins as a unisex name meaning “straight and beautiful.” 

How Popular Is the Name Naomi?

The given name Naomi has become more widespread since the 20th century. Naomi is the 52nd most popular girls name in the U.S., according to 2020 Social Security Administration data. The name Naomi has remained in the top 100 since 2010.

According to the Social Security Administration, Naomi was at its peak popularity in 2020. Naomi is also a popular name in Israel, ranking at No. 31. The name ranks No. 75 in the Netherlands.

The name has rapidly gained popularity in the last decade, invoking images of supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Naomi Watts, and singer Naomi Judd.

Name Variations

• Naomie (English)
• Náoimí (Irish)
• Naomé (Belgian)
• Nahomie (Haitian)
• Noémi (French)
• Noémie (French)
• Noémia (Portuguese)
• Noomie (Finnish)
• Noemy (French)

Similar Names

• Celeste
• Chloe
• Daphne
• Gemma
• Natasha
• Nina
• Noelle
• Nova
• Rose
• Ruby
• Tabitha
• Vera

Other girl names starting with N:

• Nancy
• Narda
• Natalia
• Natalie
• Natasha
• Nellie
• Nema
• Nicola
• Nicole
• Nicolette
• Nina

Common Nicknames

Common nicknames for Naomi include:

• Noma
• Nomi
• Mims
• Mimi
• Mimsy

Suggested Sibling Names

• Alfie
• David
• Levi
• Nathan
• Celeste
• Isla
• Maisie
• Nina

Famous People Named Naomi

Notable people named Naomi include actors, singers, authors, and athletes. The name and its variations have also popped up on the big and small screens. Naomi Judd is an American country music singer and actress. She has been nominated for 10 Grammys and took home six. Additionally, "The Judds" were an American country music duo composed of Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna Judd. They released six studio albums.

Naomi Campbell is a British supermodel, actress, and businesswoman. She was discovered at the age of 15 and established herself as one of the most recognizable and in-demand models of the late 1980s, 1990s, and the earlier 2000s. She appeared in many movies and television series including, "I Feel Pretty," "Zoolander 2," "Ugly Betty," "American Horror Story," and "Making the Cut," a fashion designer competition series.

Famous Naomis

• Naomi Watts, British actress and film producer
• Naomi Osaka, Japanese professional tennis player
• Naomi Novik, American author of speculative fiction
• Naomi Biden, the granddaughter of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden. She was named after Biden's late daughter Naomi, who he lost in a tragic car accident in 1972.

Famous Nomas

• Noma Dumezweni, British actress who won an Olivier Award for her role in "A Raisin in the Sun." She also starred as Hermione Granger in the original West End and Broadway runs of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

Fictional Naomis

• Naomi Lapaglia, played by Margot Robbie in the movie "The Wolf of Wall Street"
• Naomi Clark, played by AnnaLynne McCord, is a fictional character from the CW primetime drama "90210"
• Naomi Zeigler, from the book series "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard
• Naomi Harper, played by actress-director Dorothy Lyman in the American sitcom "Mama's Family"