Meaning and Etymology
In Sanskrit, Uma (उमा) primarily means “flax” [1](https://www.behindthename.com/name/uma). The name is also linked to an ancient exclamation u mā meaning “O do not (practice austerities)!” that was addressed to the goddess Parvati by her mother [8](https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Uma). As a proper noun, Uma is one of the names of the Hindu goddess Parvati [3](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Uma). Additional Sanskrit senses recorded in scholarly dictionaries include “tranquillity”, “splendour”, “fame” and “night” [4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_(given_name)).
Origin and Language Usage
The name originates in Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient India [1](https://www.behindthename.com/name/uma). It is used as a feminine given name across several modern Indian languages, appearing in Devanagari (Hindi), Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil scripts [1](https://www.behindthename.com/name/uma). Contemporary usage is documented for speakers of Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil [4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_(given_name)).
Pronunciation
No source‑provided IPA or audio guide for the pronunciation of “Uma” was found in the supplied references.
Spellings and Variants
- Devanagari (Hindi, Sanskrit): उमा
- Telugu: ఉమ
- Kannada: ಉಮಾ
- Malayalam: ഉമ
- Tamil: உமா
Editorial Review
This draft awaits editorial review.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Uma mean?
Uma means “flax” in Sanskrit and is also associated with the exclamation u mā meaning “O do not (practice austerities)!”. Additional Sanskrit senses include tranquillity, splendour, fame and night.
Is Uma a Hindu name?
Yes. Uma is one of the names of the Hindu goddess Parvati and is used as a feminine given name in India.
How is Uma pronounced?
The supplied sources do not provide a specific pronunciation guide or IPA for the name Uma.
References
Follow the sources to explore the evidence and context behind this article.
- Meaning, origin and history of the name Uma - Behind the Name; https://www.behindthename.com/name/uma
- uma - Wiktionary, the free dictionary; https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/uma
- Uma - Wiktionary, the free dictionary; https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Uma
- Uma (given name); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_(given_name)
- Uma f - Nordic Names; https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Uma