Political LeaderAmerican1978 – present

Neoma Rao

U.S. Circuit Judge, OIRA Administrator

Biography

Neoma Rao (born 1978) is an American judge and legal scholar who has served as a Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since 2020. Before her judicial appointment, she served as the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Trump administration, where she oversaw regulatory policy and oversight. Rao is known for her libertarian-leaning constitutional philosophy and expertise in administrative law and regulatory reform. She earned her law degree from Yale Law School and has held academic positions at various universities. Her judicial opinions have focused on administrative law, separation of powers, and constitutional interpretation. Rao's career represents a significant rise in the American legal establishment, breaking barriers as a woman of Indian descent in conservative legal circles. Her appointment to the D.C. Circuit, one of the most influential courts in the nation, underscored her prominence in constitutional law debates.

The Name Neoma

Neoma is an exceptionally rare name, making Neoma Rao one of very few notable figures with this first name. Her prominence in American law and judicial service provides the name with contemporary legal and political significance.

Quick Facts

Neoma

Greek origin

“Combining the Greek 'neo' (new) with 'ma' (mother or essence), Neoma suggests 'new beginning' or 'new essence' with a vintage, early-20th-century American feel. The name has an understated elegance and carries hints of both classical and modernist sensibilities. It's rare and distinctive, appealing to parents seeking vintage names with deeper meaning.”