Uma
Meaningname of goddess Parvati · Sanskrit
Uma is an Indian girl name meaning “name of goddess Parvati”, 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?
- GenerationUma peaked in 2006, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Uma you'd meet today is about 19 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Uma would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 29,240 baby girls got the name in 2025.
- HistoryUma first shows up in US birth records in 1961, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 64 years since.
US births per million girls, 1961–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Uma
Uma is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “name of goddess Parvati”. Short and strong, it's said in a single beat and ends on an open, friendly vowel, 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 girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Uma
What does the name Uma mean?
Uma means “name of goddess Parvati” and comes from Sanskrit. Other girl names with a similar meaning include Athena (“Greek goddess of wisdom”), Thea (“goddess”), Minerva (“Roman goddess of wisdom”) and Meenakshi (“fish-eyed goddess”).
What is the origin of the name Uma?
Uma is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Uma a boy or girl name?
Uma is a girl name. In 2025, 55 US girls were named Uma.
How popular is the name Uma?
Uma ranked #2,998 for US girls in 2025, given to 55 babies. Its best year was 2006, when it reached #2,328. Over the last five years it has slipped 530 places.
What names are similar to Uma?
If you like Uma, you might also like Athena, Thea, Minerva and Meenakshi.
What should I know before naming my baby Uma?
Uma is an Indian girl name meaning “name of goddess Parvati”, 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.