Quick facts
Last updated June 2026
What it means
“Omri is a Hebrew boy name most often connected with the idea of binding or gathering, and it is also explained as “my sheaf.” In the Bible, Omri is best known as the name of a 9th-century BCE king of Israel.”
Omri is a short Hebrew name with a strong, ancient feel. In Hebrew it is written עָמְרִי, usually transliterated as Omri or ‘Omrī. The meaning is not treated exactly the same by every source, which is common with very old biblical names. One traditional etymology connects it with the Hebrew verb עמר, meaning to grip, bind, or gather. From that root, Omri can carry the sense of “bound,” “gripping,” or “gathered.” Another common baby-name explanation gives the meaning as “my sheaf,” referring to a bundle of harvested grain. That image is lovely for a child’s name: gathered grain, food on the table, work brought safely home. Some interpretations also suggest a possible connection to Yah, the Hebrew divine name element, giving a devotional reading such as “bound by Yah.” Because the ancient evidence is not completely settled, the safest way to describe Omri is as a Hebrew biblical name tied to binding, gathering, and the sheaf image. For parents, that gives the name a grounded feeling. Omri doesn’t sound ornate or fussy. It’s compact, two syllables, and easy to say once you’ve heard it: OM-ree. It has the rhythm of names like Ari, Ezra, and Levi, but it is noticeably rarer in English-speaking settings. The name’s biblical history gives it weight. Several men named Omri appear in the Bible, though the most famous is King Omri of Israel. He is a complicated historical figure, remembered in biblical texts and later discussions for his reign, his dynasty, and his association with Samaria. So Omri is not a soft, purely decorative name. It has backbone. It feels old, spare, and serious, with a quiet modern style that works well for families who want a Hebrew name that is familiar to history but still uncommon on the playground.
Why parents love it
Parents often love Omri because it does something tricky: it feels ancient and fresh at the same time. It has real Hebrew roots, a clear biblical presence, and a sound that fits right beside modern favorites like Ari, Levi, Ezra, and Noam. But Omri is far less expected. The name is also wonderfully practical. Four letters. Two syllables. No complicated spelling for most English speakers once they’ve heard it. You can imagine it on a preschool cubby, a graduation program, or a work email years from now, and it still feels steady. Its meaning gives parents something warm to hold onto. “My sheaf” brings up the picture of gathered grain, provision, and the satisfaction of a harvest brought in. The older root idea of binding or gathering adds another layer, especially for a family that wants a name connected to strength, belonging, or faith. Omri is a good choice if you want a Hebrew boy name that isn’t everywhere. It’s familiar to people who know biblical history, current enough to be used in Israel, and rare enough in many English-speaking communities that your son probably won’t be one of three Omris in his class.
Heritage
Omri belongs to the family of Hebrew biblical names that are short, durable, and historically layered. In the Hebrew Bible, four men are named Omri, and the best known is King Omri of Israel. He became king after a turbulent struggle for the throne, as described in 1 Kings 16. Later historical summaries identify him as the sixth king of the northern kingdom of Israel and the founder of the House of Omri, with Ahab among the later monarchs of that house. For Jewish and Christian readers, Omri is recognizable because of this biblical setting, but it is not usually treated like a gentle virtue name or a saintly model name. King Omri is politically important, and he is associated with the establishment of Samaria as a capital, but the biblical narrative also judges his reign negatively in religious terms. That gives the name a more complex tone than names such as Noah or Samuel. In modern use, especially in Israel, Omri feels like a living Hebrew name rather than only an ancient one. Public figures and athletes have carried it, including Israeli basketball player Omri Casspi and Israeli footballer Omri Ben Harush. For families outside Hebrew-speaking communities, the name may need a quick pronunciation cue, but it is simple once explained. There are no broad naming taboos attached to Omri, though parents who care deeply about biblical role models may want to know the full story behind King Omri before choosing it.
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The sheaf meaning gives Omri a steady, harvest-time feeling, like something gathered, useful, and real.
Its best-known biblical bearer was a king who rose during a difficult political struggle, so the name carries a firm edge.
Omri is short and easy to wear, but it is still uncommon enough to feel memorable.
The name’s layered Hebrew roots invite a child to ask questions about language, faith, and family history.
Original
עָמְרִי
Transliterations
Nathaniel adds a longer, gentle biblical balance to Omri’s compact sound.
Jude keeps the whole name crisp, warm, and easy to say.
Benjamin pairs naturally with Omri’s Hebrew roots and gives the name a familiar anchor.
Samuel has a classic softness that rounds out Omri’s strong opening.
Lev is brief and Hebrew in feel, making the full name sleek and meaningful.
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