- Origin: Uncertain
- Gender: Male
The name is borne in history by Numa Pompilius (circ 8th-century C.E), the second King of Rome. Since he was of Sabine origin, it has been suggested his name was Sabine. However, its meaning has been lost to time. Others have linked it with the Oscan, Nium, also of unknown meaning. It has also been linked with the Greek nomos (νόμος), meaning, “custom; law.”
The name experienced usage in France in the late 19th-century. It appeared among the top 1000 Most Popular Males Names in France between 1900 and 1925. The name peaked at #266 in 1909. It also experienced a revival in Italy around the same time. It was used sporadically in England and the United States.
Notable bearers include French artist, Numa Ayrinhac (1881-1951) and French football player, Numa Andoire (1908-1994).
An obscure French vernacular form is Nume.
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