Origin & Meaning of the Obi Surname
What does the last name Obi mean?
The surname Obi carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,403 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Obi ranks as the #19,296 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Obi come from?
The Obi surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Obi name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Obi trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Obi |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #19,296 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,403 |
| Per 100K People | 0.48 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Obi
According to the US Census, the Obi surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,403 Americans with the Obi last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 7.84% |
| Black | 85.17% |
| Hispanic | 1.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.93% |
| Native American | 3.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.35% |
Popularity of Obi Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Obi surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Obi surname increased by 500 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Obi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obi
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