Rumi

History & Origin

Rumi originates as a geographical epithet from the Arabic word *Rum*, denoting the Byzantine Empire or Anatolia. The 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi bore this as a surname, and his verses translated into English have made him one of the best-selling poets in American history.

As a given name, Rumi has long been used in Japan (written 瑠美, 留美, or other kanji combinations) meaning beauty or lapis lazuli. It crossed into Western baby-naming culture in the 21st century, fueled partly by celebrity use and the broader popularity of the poet's work.