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 saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1800s to early 2000s. After starting with just 32 births in 1880, it peaked at its highest point in 2022 with 4489 births. Throughout the 20th century, there was a gradual increase in popularity, with notable spikes occurring around World War II and the post-war baby boom eras. The name has maintained consistent popularity since the late 1970s, with no significant fluctuations or decreases observed over time.