Omi

♂ Boy

Pronounced OH-mee /ˈoʊ.mi/Medium

Meaning: Omi is Yoruba for 'water' — a plain, life-giving word used as a name. It also functions as a short form of names beginning Om- (Omar, Omari), and as a modern coinage. Routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: Two soft beats: Omi is Yoruba for 'water,' and also a short form of Omar/Omari (said 'OH-mee'). Routes uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowYoruba, English

MeaningOmi is Yoruba for 'water' — a plain, life-giving word used as a name. It also functions as a short form of names beginning Om- (Omar, Omari), and as a modern coinage. Routes uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13655 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 75

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

Omi has more than one road into English. In Yoruba it is the word for water, and it is used as a name in that sense. In other families it is simply a short form of Omar or Omari, or a modern two-beat coinage. Because these lines converge, the routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'OH-mee').

In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, short, and soft.

Did you know? In Yoruba, omi simply means 'water' — the most ordinary and most necessary thing there is. The same name also works as a short form of Omar or Omari, so the routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'OH-mee').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Omi — Yoruba omi 'water'; also short form of Omar/Omari

Variations

OmyOmie

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Omi…

Omar— the fuller name Omi can shorten

Kai— a like short water-meaning name

Remi— a similar soft two-beat pick

Levi— a like gentle short choice

Explore names like Omi

By themeuncertain short nature yoruba

By meaningSea / Water Life

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Omi mean?

Omi is Yoruba for 'water'; it also works as a short form of Omar or Omari. Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Omi?

It's said OH-mee /ˈoʊ.mi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Omi a boy or girl name?

Omi is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Omi?

Omi is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.