Omar is a name of Arabic origin that has been widely used around the world. It means "long-lived" or "life full of vigour," which makes it a name with positive connotations.
The name Omar has historical significance, as it was borne by several notable figures in history. One of the most famous Omars was Omar ibn al-Khattab, who was the second caliph of Islam and is often referred to as Uthman's Sword due to his role in expanding the Islamic Empire. Another prominent Omar was Omar Khayyam, a Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer who lived during the 12th century.
Omar has also been used as a given name in many cultures throughout history. In some Muslim communities, it is considered an honorific name for males, while in others, it may be used as a unisex name. Omar is particularly popular in Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, but it can be found all over the world.
In terms of its usage, Omar has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years. In 2019, it ranked as one of the top 500 names for boys in several English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. This trend is likely to continue, given that parents continue to be drawn to its positive meaning and historical significance.
Overall, Omar is a strong and meaningful name with roots in Arabic history and culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal as both an honorific and given name for males.
The name Omar has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half, with a noticeable increase in usage since around 1968. From 1880 to around 1950, Omar was given to an average of fewer than 20 children per year, peaking at just 36 births in 1949.
However, starting from the late 1960s, there is a marked increase in the number of babies named Omar. The name's popularity exploded in the 1970s and reached its zenith in the mid-1980s, with over 2500 births each year between 1989 and 1993. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Omar ranking among the top 300 names for boys during this period.
Nevertheless, since around 2005, there has been a steady decline in the number of babies named Omar, mirroring a broader trend of decreasing popularity for many traditional and historically popular boy's names. As of 2021, Omar is still reasonably common, with approximately 1300 births per year, but it no longer ranks among the top 500 names for boys in the United States.
In total, over the span of these statistics (from 1880 to 2023), there have been 103744 babies named Omar.