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Name meaning & originNaomi נָעֳמִי

/nay-OH-mee/

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Naomi is a Hebrew girl's name pronounced /nay-OH-mee/. The name literally means pleasantness, sweetness, or delight.

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Meaning of Naomi

The name literally means pleasantness, sweetness, or delight.

It is derived from the Hebrew word 'no'am', which signifies pleasantness or favor. In the Hebrew Bible, Naomi is the mother-in-law of Ruth, who famously returns to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. While originally a Hebrew name, it also exists independently in Japanese culture with various meanings depending on the kanji used.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/nay-OH-mee/

Cultural background

The name has long been a staple in Jewish communities and gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries and Japan during the 20th century.

Variations & nicknames

  • Noemi
  • Noemie
  • Nayomi
  • Naomie
  • Noam
  • Mim

Famous people named Naomi

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Naomi Osaka

    Professional tennis champion and former world number one

    Sport · Modern

  • Naomi Campbell

    Influential British supermodel and businesswoman

    Fashion · Modern

  • Naomi Watts

    Academy Award-nominated British-Australian actress

    Film · Modern

  • Naomi Klein

    Author, social activist, and filmmaker known for 'No Logo'

    Literature · Modern

  • Naomi Judd

    Grammy-winning American country music singer

    Music · 20th-21st Century

Frequently asked about Naomi

Is Naomi a biblical name?
Yes, Naomi is a central figure in the Old Testament's Book of Ruth, known for her resilience and loyalty.
Is Naomi a common name in Japan?
Yes, Naomi is a popular unisex or feminine name in Japan, though the meaning changes based on the characters (kanji) chosen.
How do you pronounce Naomi in different languages?
In English, it is usually 'nay-OH-mee', while in Hebrew it is pronounced 'nah-oh-MEE' and in Japanese it is 'nah-oh-mee'.

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