Omer is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "omer," which means "sheaf of grain." It is also associated with the ancient Israelite festival of Omer, which occurs between Passover and Shavuot, and celebrates the time when the Israelites brought an omer (a measure) of barley to the Temple in Jerusalem.
The name Omer gained popularity among Jewish communities around the world after it was used by several notable figures in history. One of the most well-known is Omer Yair, a prominent Zionist leader and one of the signatories of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. Additionally, Omer Adam is an Israeli singer-songwriter who has become popular in recent years.
Omer is typically given to boys, although it can also be used as a girl's name. It is often spelled "Omri" in English-speaking countries, but the pronunciation remains the same: /ˈoʊmər/.
Overall, Omer is a strong and meaningful name with deep roots in Jewish history and culture. Its association with ancient traditions and significant figures makes it a popular choice among parents looking for a name that carries weight and significance.
The name Omer has been a relatively uncommon choice for babies born in the United States over the past century. According to available data, there have only been a total of 67 recorded births with this name since 1894.
The earliest record of an Omer birth in the U.S. is from 1894, with five boys receiving the name that year. Another peak occurred in 1923 when ten babies were named Omer. However, there have been several years where only one or two children received this name, indicating its infrequent use throughout history.
More recently, the name Omer has seen a slight resurgence, with six births recorded in both 2006 and 2023. This could suggest that parents are once again considering this unique name for their children.
Overall, while not extremely popular, the name Omer does have a small but consistent presence among American baby names throughout history. Parents who choose this name may be drawn to its distinctive sound or looking for something less common than more mainstream options.