Omkar's Journal: Hmm

Apparently, this page is the number one result for "Omkar" on Google today (Aug 6 03). That's nice, considering I haven't written a damned thing in my journal.

I feel like I've won something, but I can't really say what.

Obviously,

[The Cydonian]

this is a powerful demonstration of Slashdot's linking capabilities!

Seriously though, Indic names (assuming that you refer to the Hindi 'Omkar') are still not quite prevalent on the web. 4 out of 5 Google results for my surname, for instance, return pages about me. :-|

Re:Obviously,

[Omkar]

I'm not exactly sure where my mom got my name. I'm sure it's Sanskrit-based. The name, however, isn't common even in India, although it isn't unheard of. I'm just surprised that it beat out all the religious sites.

Re:Obviously,

[The Cydonian]

Oh, it is quite common; had a lot of friends by that name in school. (Including a certain 'Ryan Omkar', so it's not just Hindus who have that name)

The Sanskrit version would technically be 'Omkaaram' (pronounced "oomkaaraM"), which is probably why you beat all the religious sites out there. :-)

'Omkaaram' is a difficult word to translate completely, but roughly, it is the act of repeatedly reciting the advaitistly divine 'Om'. My Sanskrit isn't good enough, but I'd guess your name in Sanskrit would be 'Omk

Re:Obviously,

[Omkar]

Neat, I didn't know the Sanskrit detail. My mom just told me that 'Omkar' was a sort of noun form of 'Om.'

I suppose the prevalence of the name is a regional thing, since I've lived in Bangalore for four years now without encountering a single 'Omkar' - first or last name. I certainly didn't encounter any in Canton, Ohio.

Interesting.