"nation, community"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Uma
Pronunciation: [ y-OOM-uh ]
Does Uma flow with your last name?
The goddess of light and devotion — a name of ancient power
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Meaning & Origin
"fame"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Sanskrit
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The Story of Uma
Uma is primarily known as an epithet of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, power, and devotion — divine consort of Shiva. In Sanskrit, Uma means light, tranquility, or fame. The name appears in the ancient Kena Upanishad, where Uma-Haimavati (Uma, daughter of the Himalayas) reveals the nature of Brahman to the gods. In Hebrew, Uma (or Umah) means nation. Actress Uma Thurman brought the name into Western consciousness in the 1990s.
Uma had a burst of Western visibility through Uma Thurman's roles in Pulp Fiction (1994) and the Kill Bill films (2003-2004). It remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic, sophisticated feel.
In Hinduism, Uma-Parvati is one of the most venerated goddesses — the ideal of feminine strength, devotion, and divine love. She is worshipped across India as a mother goddess and the divine force behind all creation.
Historical Record
Uma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1961.
Over 1,845 babies have been named Uma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Uma is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,724 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Uma-Parvati appears in the ancient Kena Upanishad as a divine teacher who reveals the nature of Brahman to Indra
- Uma Thurman was named by her father Robert Thurman, a Buddhist scholar, after the Sanskrit name of the Hindu goddess
Uma in Other Languages
Tamil
உமா
Hebrew
אֻמָּה
Japanese
ウマ
Sanskrit
उमा
Popularity Over Time
#2,724
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Uma
U
Uma Thurman
Actor
1970
American actress known for her roles in Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Gattaca
U
Uma (Parvati)
Other
Hindu goddess of love, power, and devotion; divine consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya
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Compare Uma with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,724
- Total SSA Count
- 63
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Jewish American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Uma
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Uma
What does the name Uma mean?
"nation, community" (from Hebrew). "fame" (from Sanskrit). Uma is primarily known as an epithet of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, power, and devotion — divine consort of Shiva. In Sanskrit, Uma means light, tranquility, or fame. The name appears in the ancient Kena Upanishad, where Uma-Haimavati (Uma, daughter of the Himalayas) reveals the nature of Brahman to the gods. In Hebrew, Uma (or Umah) means nation. Actress Uma Thurman brought the name into Western consciousness in the 1990s.
What is the origin of the name Uma?
Uma has Hebrew, Sanskrit, Indian, Jewish, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Hebrew, it means "nation, community". In Sanskrit, it means "fame".
Is Uma a boy or girl name?
Uma is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Uma?
Uma is pronounced y-OOM-uh.
How popular is the name Uma?
Uma is currently ranked #2724 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Uma?
Popular middle name pairings include Uma Rose, Uma Jade, Uma Simone, Uma Grace, Uma Pearl, and Uma Celeste.
What are good sibling names for Uma?
Names that pair well with Uma as siblings include Shiva, Kali, Arjun, Priya, Deva, and Indra.
How many syllables does Uma have?
Uma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Uma a common or rare name?
Uma is an uncommon name, ranked #2724 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Uma
Uma is a girl name with Indian, Jewish, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "nation, community" in Hebrew .
Uma is currently ranked #2,724 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Uma has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-OOM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis