Umm

Umm is an Arabic noun meaning "mother." In Arabic-speaking communities it is commonly used in kunyas, ceremonial honorifics that refer to a person by their child’s name or by a traditional attribute. In this system, a person may be addressed as Umm followed by a name; for example, Umm Kulthum, the renowned Egyptian singer, indicates "mother of Kulthum" and functions as a respectful or affectionate form of address. The kunya appears in various cultural and religious contexts and is separate from a person’s given name.

The element Umm also appears in place names across the Arab world. In toponyms, it can signify origin or a foundational association and is often paired with a following element that names a place, person, or feature. Examples include Umm al-Quwain, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates. The exact meaning of a given toponym varies by location and historical context.

Beyond naming, Umm forms part of many compound expressions that describe motherhood or maternal symbolism in literature and everyday speech. The term is deeply embedded in Arabic naming practices and is widely recognized in the broader Islamic world.

See also: Kunya, Arabic naming conventions.