Rising since 2012, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Oday since 1991
Babies named Oday per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 82 |
Meaning & origin
Oday is a rare masculine name of Arabic origin that entered U.S. records in 1991. It reached its peak popularity in 2018, yet remains uncommon, with a 2025 rank of 5,861 and only 1 in 113,872 newborn boys receiving the name. Its usage has been rising since 2012, and it is most frequently recorded in New York. While the name's etymology is debated between meanings such as 'flock' and 'herd,' it carries a distinct, modern feel within the context of Arabic naming traditions. Parents seeking a name with cultural resonance but low frequency may find Oday an appealing choice.
The name Oday is likely a variant of Odai (also spelled Odey, Oday), which has Arabic origins. In Arabic, 'Odai' (عُدي) is a name that can mean 'a herd of camels' or 'a flock,' derived from the root 'ada' (to run or flee). Alternatively, it may be related to the root 'awada' (to return). Historically, the name has been used in Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, particularly in the Middle East and among diaspora populations. It gained some usage in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Where Oday is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Oday” around the world
Where Oday lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Oday
Names that share Oday's style, for a brother or sister.

