Naomi

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Naomi

Pronounced nay-OH-mee /neɪˈoʊ.mi/Medium

Meaning: From the Hebrew Naomi, 'pleasantness; sweetness' — the mother-in-law of Ruth in the Bible. Used here for a boy, though it is overwhelmingly a girl's name; we flag the strong cross-sex lean.Medium

In 30 seconds: A biblical Hebrew name: Naomi means 'pleasantness' (said 'nay-OH-mee'). Overwhelmingly a girl's name — we note the strong lean.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningFrom the Hebrew Naomi, 'pleasantness; sweetness' — the mother-in-law of Ruth in the Bible. Used here for a boy, though it is overwhelmingly a girl's name; we flag the strong cross-sex lean.

U.S. rank (2023)#11818 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1924

Total births (all-time)≈ 285

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Naomi is Hebrew for 'pleasantness,' the mother-in-law of Ruth in the Book of Ruth. Used here for a boy, it is overwhelmingly a girl's name, which we note — very rare for boys in the U.S. (said 'nay-OH-mee').

For boys it appears only extremely rarely, against far heavier girls' use. Rare for boys, biblical, and warm.

Did you know? Naomi is Hebrew for 'pleasantness; sweetness' — the mother-in-law of Ruth in the Bible — a name used here for a boy, though it is overwhelmingly a girl's name, which we note (said 'nay-OH-mee').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Naomi — Hebrew 'pleasantness'; Book of Ruth; girl-leaning

Variations

NoemiNaomieNaoma

Nicknames

NaoOmi

Famous Bearers

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By themehebrew biblical cross-sex girl-leaning

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Naomi mean?

Naomi is Hebrew for 'pleasantness; sweetness' — the mother-in-law of Ruth in the Bible.

How do you pronounce Naomi?

It's said nay-OH-mee /neɪˈoʊ.mi/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Naomi a boy or girl name?

Naomi here is used as a boy's name, though it is overwhelmingly a girl's name — we note the strong lean.

How popular is Naomi?

Naomi is extremely rare for boys and common for girls in the U.S.