ॐ

Om

boySanskritHinduBuddhistSikh

Om is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “The sacred syllable”.

MeaningThe sacred syllable
GenderBoy
OriginSanskrit
Written asॐ
PronunciationOHM
TraditionHindu, Buddhist, Sikh
Used inIndia, Nepal

Meaning and origin of Om

Om, also written Aum, is the most sacred sound in Hinduism, chanted at the beginning and end of prayers and mantras. The Mandukya Upanishad explains its three sounds, a-u-m, as waking, dreaming and deep sleep, with the silence after as the absolute. It is also central in Buddhist mantras such as Om Mani Padme Hum and in Jainism. As a name it is short and powerful; the actor Om Puri was a well-known bearer.

Is Om a Hindu name?

Om is regarded by Hindus as the primordial sound of creation and a symbol of Brahman. Sikhs use the related Onkar, as in Ik Onkar, and Buddhists chant it in many mantras.

How popular is Om?

Used across India and Nepal, often as part of longer names.

Gifts with the name Om

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Spellings and variants of Om

Names similar to Om

More Hindu boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Om mean?

Om means 'The sacred syllable'. It is of Sanskrit origin.

Is Om a Hindu name?

Om is regarded by Hindus as the primordial sound of creation and a symbol of Brahman. Sikhs use the related Onkar, as in Ik Onkar, and Buddhists chant it in many mantras.

How do you pronounce Om?

Om is pronounced OHM.

Is Om a boy or girl name?

Om is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.