Discovered in 2017, Consensus is that no one is sure if it is a comet, but might be an hyperbolic asteroid. It might just be an elongated rock 1/4 mile long that followed a strange path. Name comes from Hawaiian oumuamua meaning scout. 

One definition of a scout is a person sent out to obtain information. Also an act or instance of reconnoitering, inspecting, observing, etc. [Dictionay.com]