Rising since 2011, #3,757 for boys today.
Popularity of Obi since 2007
Babies named Obi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 91 |
| 2020s | 181 |
Meaning & origin
Obi is a modern name with multiple cultural roots. It first appeared in U.S. records in 2007 and has been steadily rising since 2011, peaking in 2023. In 2025, it ranked 3,757th, with 1 in 58,899 boys given the name. Its top state is California, reflecting its use in diverse communities. The name's rise may be partly attributed to popular culture, particularly the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi, helping it gain recognition as a standalone name. Parents drawn to short, distinctive names with multicultural resonance may find Obi appealing. Its meanings range from Hebrew religious references to Igbo conceptual significance, offering depth in a compact form.
Obi is a name of diverse origins. It can be a diminutive of the biblical name Obadiah, meaning 'servant of God' in Hebrew. In Igbo (Nigeria), Obi is a common given name meaning 'heart' or 'mind'. The name gained modern visibility through the character Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars franchise, which likely influenced its use as a standalone name in English-speaking countries.
Where Obi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Obi
Names that share Obi's style, for a brother or sister.
