Holding steady, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Obie since 1880
Babies named Obie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Obie's real moment was 1907.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 74 |
| 1890s | 0 | 118 |
| 1900s | 42 | 162 |
| 1910s | 93 | 556 |
| 1920s | 69 | 680 |
| 1930s | 33 | 559 |
| 1940s | 34 | 522 |
| 1950s | 0 | 407 |
| 1960s | 0 | 282 |
| 1970s | 0 | 244 |
| 1980s | 0 | 142 |
| 1990s | 0 | 67 |
| 2000s | 0 | 141 |
| 2010s | 0 | 118 |
| 2020s | 0 | 93 |
Meaning & origin
Obie is a name with deep biblical roots, serving as a diminutive of Obadiah. Its peak popularity came in 1907, when it ranked highest in the United States, but it has since become quite rare. With a current rank of 7,679 in 2025 and an incidence of 1 in 170,808, Obie is an uncommon choice. The name has maintained a stable trajectory over the decades, never experiencing a revival. Its simple, friendly sound and strong meaning make it a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical and religious significance, yet uncommon in modern times.
Obie is a diminutive of the biblical name Obadiah, which comes from the Hebrew "Ovadyah" meaning "servant of God." The name Obadiah appears in the Old Testament as a prophet, and the nickname Obie has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century. It was most popular in the United States in the early 1900s, often as a short form or given as a standalone name.
Sibling names for Obie
Names that share Obie's style, for a brother or sister.
