Uma
Fact sheet
- Name
- Uma
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Uma, used for girls, carries the meaning "the gracious one" and has its roots in Sanskrit.
What does the name Uma mean?
The female first name Uma means "the gracious one" and comes from Sanskrit. It can be derived from the word umā, which encompasses terms like "splendor, glory, rest, or night." In Hinduism, Uma is also used as an epithet of the goddess Parvati, who embodies "Shakti," the feminine primordial force and energy of the universe. Additionally, the name has other meanings: in Aramaic and Hebrew, Uma is associated with "nation," while in Nigeria and Cameroon, it translates to "life." In some African languages, the word can also mean "to bite" or "to shine." In Japanese, Uma means "horse."
Where does the name Uma come from?
The name has various possible origins, with the most likely derivation coming from Indian, Pakistani, and Sanskrit roots. The connection to the goddess Parvati leads to the meaning "the gracious one."
How do you pronounce Uma?
The pronunciation of Uma is characterized by a clear sound and an emphasis on the vowels. The name is two syllables and is usually pronounced in German as "U-ma" [ˈuːma]. It begins with a long U sound, conveying a calm and deep aura. The gentle M combines with the open second syllable A, giving the name a certain warmth. Overall, Uma appears simple yet powerful – calm, clear, and sonically harmonious.
Popularity
In Germany, Uma is a highly sought-after first name and currently ranks 1,418th on the list of the most common female baby names. The name achieved its best ranking in 2007 at 576th place. Over the last ten years, Uma has been given as a first name about 300 times, placing it 1,232nd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,353rd.
Nicknames & pet names
Umchen / Umi
Similar first names
Uman
Famous people
- Uma (character) (character from Descendants 2, daughter of Ursula)
- Uma Aaltonen (Finnish writer)
- Uma Bose (Indian musician)
- Uma Chowdhry (Indian chemist)
- Uma Karuna Thurman (American actress, e.g., Pulp Fiction)
- Uma Kompton (singer)
- Uma Mohan (Indian singer)
- Uma Padmanabhan (Indian actress)
- Uma Rama Rao (dancer from India)
- Uma Ramanan (singer)
- Uma Riyaz Khan (Indian actress)
- Uma Sharma (Indian dancer)
- Uma Shivakumar (Indian actress)
- Uma Thurman (American actress, e.g., Pulp Fiction)
Frequently asked questions about the name Uma
What is the origin of the name Uma?
The name Uma has its roots in Sanskrit and is primarily common in the Indian and Pakistani regions. It is also used in other cultures, such as in Ancient Aramaic.
What does the first name Uma mean?
Uma means "the gracious one" and is closely associated with the goddess Parvati in Hinduism. The name also encompasses other meanings, including "nation" in Aramaic and Hebrew, as well as "life" in some African languages.
How popular is the name Uma?
Uma is enjoying growing popularity in various countries, especially in India and among spiritual communities. Internationally, the name is also known, though less widespread.