"lapis lazuli, beauty"
Rumi
Named for a timeless poet and the color of lapis lazuli
Meaning & Origin
"from Rome (Rum/Anatolia)"
The Story of Rumi
Rumi has two distinct origins. In Japanese, it is a feminine name meaning lapis lazuli or beauty, combining ru (lapis lazuli) and mi (beauty). In the Persian and Islamic world, Rumi is a title meaning from Rome (i.e., Anatolia/Rum) given to the 13th-century Sufi poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad, one of the most beloved poets in history. Beyonce and Jay-Z's daughter Blue Ivy has a younger sibling named Rumi, bringing the name into American consciousness.
Rumi gained significant attention in 2017 when Beyonce and Jay-Z named one of their twins Rumi. This celebrity choice, combined with growing appreciation for the Persian poet Rumi, has made the name feel both culturally rich and contemporary.
The 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi is one of the most widely read poets in the world. His work on love, spirituality, and human connection transcends religious and cultural boundaries. In Japan, Rumi is a serene feminine name with associations to the deep blue of lapis lazuli.
Fun Facts
- The poet Rumi's full collection has sold millions of copies in the United States, making him one of the best-selling poets in America
- Beyonce and Jay-Z named one of their twins Rumi in 2017
- In Japanese baby naming, Rumi has been popular since the mid-20th century
Rumi in Other Languages
Famous People Named Rumi
Rumi Carter
Other
2017
Daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z, whose naming brought Rumi into mainstream American use
Rumi (Jalal ad-Din Rumi)
Writer
1207
13th-century Persian Sufi poet and mystic, one of the world's most widely read poets
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,145
- Total SSA Count
- 69
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Persian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Rumi is also used as a girl name, ranked #1722.
View Rumi as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rumi
What does the name Rumi mean?
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Is Rumi a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Rumi
Rumi is a boy name with Japanese, Persian, and American origins . The name means "lapis lazuli, beauty" in Japanese .
Is Rumi a boy or girl name? Rumi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,145 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,722. Rumi is more commonly used as a girl name.
Rumi is currently ranked #2,145 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Rumi has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Rumi include Ru. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.