Uma

Pronunciation: [ y-OOM-uh ]

Girl Name #2,724 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The goddess of light and devotion — a name of ancient power

Indian Jewish American Scandinavian

Elegant Spiritual Unique Minimalist

Meaning & Origin

"fame"

Origin: Sanskrit

Language: Sanskrit

"nation, community"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

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.

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

Famous People Named Uma

Uma Thurman

Actor

1970

American actress known for her roles in Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Gattaca

Uma (Parvati)

Other

Hindu goddess of love, power, and devotion; divine consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya

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

Pairs Well With

Uma Rose Uma Jade Uma Simone Uma Grace Uma Pearl Uma Celeste

Sibling Names

Shiva Kali Arjun Priya Deva Indra

Similar Names

Ella Lula Alma Lulu Emily Irma Emmie Una

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Uma

What does the name Uma mean?

"fame" (from Sanskrit). "nation, community" (from Hebrew). 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 Sanskrit, Hebrew, Indian, Jewish, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Sanskrit, it means "fame". In Hebrew, it means "nation, community".

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 "fame" in Sanskrit .

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.

Uma