One lexicon links the name to a Hebrew root for binding sheaves, and some scholars think it is not Hebrew at all.
About
King of Israel and founder of a new royal house. Omri was captain of the army when the troops at Gibbethon heard that Zimri had killed the king, and all Israel made him king in the camp that day. He besieged Tirzah, and Zimri burned the house of the king over himself and died. Half the people followed Tibni, until the followers of Omri prevailed and Tibni died. Omri reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built his city there. Scripture says he did evil beyond all before him. His son Ahab reigned after him.
Relationships
OverthrewZimriThe seven-day king he besieged in Tirzah
DescendantAthaliahCalled the daughter of Omri, mother of Ahaziah king of Judah
Key Scripture AppearancesKJV
1 Kings 16:16
And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.1 Kings 16:16, KJV
1 Kings 16:22
But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.1 Kings 16:22, KJV
1 Kings 16:24
And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.1 Kings 16:24, KJV
1 Kings 16:25
But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.1 Kings 16:25, KJV
Micah 6:16
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.Micah 6:16, KJV
See how Omri connects to every other figure in Scripture.