Usama

♂ Boy

Pronounced oo-SAH-muh /uːˈsɑːmə/High

Meaning: Usama (also Osama or Usamah) is a classical Arabic name meaning 'lion,' one of the traditional Arabic words for the animal and a symbol of courage and strength. It is a long-established given name in Arabic culture, borne in early Islamic history by Usama ibn Zayd, a young and trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The name is understood here purely on its etymological and historical merits.Medium

In 30 seconds: Usama is a classical Arabic boys' name meaning 'lion,' recorded for a handful of American boys since the late 1970s (said oo-SAH-muh).

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningUsama (also Osama or Usamah) is a classical Arabic name meaning 'lion,' one of the traditional Arabic words for the animal and a symbol of courage and strength. It is a long-established given name in Arabic culture, borne in early Islamic history by Usama ibn Zayd, a young and trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The name is understood here purely on its etymological and historical merits.

U.S. rank (2001)#9187 ↘ Falling

2001 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1999

Total births (all-time)≈ 176

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

Usama is a classical Arabic boys' name meaning 'lion,' a name of courage long used across the Arabic-speaking world. It appears in United States records among American Muslim and Arab families, part of a broader presence of heritage Arabic names in the later twentieth century.

As an American given name it stayed rare, given to only a couple dozen boys a year at its late-1990s high. Its meaning, 'lion,' places it among the many strength-and-courage names common in Arabic naming.

Did you know? Usama is one of the traditional Arabic words for the lion, and in early Islamic history it was borne by Usama ibn Zayd, a young and trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

Overall data confidence 60%

References - Usama — Classical Arabic 'lion'; Usama ibn Zayd, companion of the Prophet

Variations

OsamaUsamahOussama

Nicknames

SamiUsi

Famous Bearers

★Usama ibn Zayd (c. 612 - c. 673 CE)
An early companion of the Prophet Muhammad, entrusted with command at a young age.

If you like Usama…

Hamza— a like Arabic boys' name of strength

Asad— another Arabic name meaning 'lion'

Haidar— a name also meaning 'lion'

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Usama mean?

It is a classical Arabic name meaning 'lion.'

How do you pronounce Usama?

It's said oo-SAH-muh /uːˈsɑːmə/, three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Usama a boy or girl name?

Usama is used as a boy's name.

Is Usama a popular name?

No, it has always been rare in the United States, recorded mainly among Arab and Muslim American families for a few boys a year.