Last Name Omari

The surname Omari is primarily of Arabic origin and is derived from the given name Omar, which means "intense" or "one who speaks much." This name has been popular among Muslims for centuries, with roots traceable to the Umayyad Caliphate in the 7th century. The name spread widely throughout the Arab world and was later adopted by individuals of various ethnic backgrounds as a result of the Islamic conquests, migrations, and trade. The surname Omari or its variations is commonly found among Arabs, Turks, Persians, Afghans, and other Muslim communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Omari

The meaning and origin of the last name Omari

The surname Omari is of Arabic origin, derived from the given name 'Omar', which is one of the most common male names in Islam, belonging to the prophet Muhammad's close companion Omar ibn al-Khattab. The name Omar means "intense and persistent" or "subduer." In many Arabic-speaking countries, it is common for surnames to originate from a person's given name, especially among Muslim populations. The variation of the surname Omari may appear as Al-Omari, Omar, Umar, or Omeir in different regions and cultures. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation may have been influenced by local linguistic patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Omari

The surname Omari is predominantly associated with countries primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Its highest concentrations are found in various regions across Africa, including Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, and Morocco. In the Middle East, Omari is common among Arabic-speaking communities in countries such as Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. The name is derived from the Arabic name 'Umar, a common Islamic given name meaning "leader" or "commander." The diaspora of individuals with the surname Omari can also be found in various Western nations due to migration, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Omari

The surname Omari can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Some common variants of this Arabic name include:

1. Umar, Omer, or Omar (derived from the Arabic name 'Umar, meaning "submissive" or "intense")
2. Amairi, Amari, or Omarii (surnames formed by adding the suffix '-i' to the given name)
3. Al-Omari, Al-Omar, or El-Omari (common in Arabic countries and indicates a family name from the city of Umar)
4. O'Meara (an Anglicized version found among Irish families who may have originated as Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain during the Inquisition)
5. Umerov, Omerov or Omarov (Slavicized versions in regions such as Bosnia and Kosovo due to Ottoman influence)
6. A'Mar or Amar (shortened forms of Arabic names)
7. Ameer, Ameerah, or Ameiri (additional variants derived from the same Arabic name 'Umar)
8. Alomari, Alomar, El-Omari, or Omur (less common spelling variations found in Arabic-speaking communities).

Famous people with the last name Omari

Notable individuals with the surname Omari include:

1. Common (Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr.), an American rapper, actor, and activist who won a Grammy for his album "Like Water for Chocolate" in 2007.

2. T.I., also known as Clifford Harris Jr., is another famous Omari, an American hip hop recording artist and actor who has been active since the early 2000s. His hits include songs like "Live Your Life" and "Whatever You Like."

3. Omari Hardwick, an American actor known for his roles in television series such as Power and For Colored Niggers Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf (For Colored Boys). He has also appeared in films like Kick-Ass and Spike Lee's Chi-Raq.

4. Omari Douglas, a British actor who is best known for his work on the BBC series This Country and the Netflix film Enola Holmes.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the fields of music and acting, earning widespread recognition and acclaim for their talents.

Genealogical research on the last name Omari

The surname Omari, originating from the Arabic language, is a patronymic name derived from the given name Omar. This Arabic name is one of the Ninety-nine names of Allah and is commonly used as a personal name in various Islamic cultures. The surname Omari is particularly common among Arabic speakers in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Notable figures with the last name Omari include Moroccan actor Nawfel Omari, Afghan-American politician Faramarz Omari, and Saudi Arabian footballer Yasser Al-Qahtani. The name's origins can be traced back to the Islamic Golden Age, reflecting its historical and cultural significance within Islamic societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Omari"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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