Om
Meaningthe sacred syllable · Sanskrit
Om is an Indian boy name meaning “the sacred syllable”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name.
Did you know?
- GenerationOm peaked in 2008, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Om you'd meet today is about 17 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Om would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 25,907 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryOm first shows up in US birth records in 1983, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 42 years since.
- Where it's lovedWant to meet a lot of Oms? Head to New Jersey, where it's the #829 boy name, its best showing of any state.
US births per million boys, 1983–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Om
Om is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “the sacred syllable”. Short and strong, it's said in a single beat with a crisp finish, so it pairs easily with a longer middle name. It hit its peak in the 2000s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Om
What does the name Om mean?
Om means “the sacred syllable” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Pranav (“sacred syllable Om”) and Omkar (“the sacred syllable Om”).
What is the origin of the name Om?
Om is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Om a boy or girl name?
Om is a boy name. In 2025, 66 US boys were named Om.
How popular is the name Om?
Om ranked #2,167 for US boys in 2025, given to 66 babies. Its best year was 2008, when it reached #1,169. Over the last five years it has slipped 256 places.
What names are similar to Om?
If you like Om, you might also like Pranav and Omkar.
What should I know before naming my baby Om?
Om is an Indian boy name meaning “the sacred syllable”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.