Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Osei since 1974
Babies named Osei per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 55 |
| 2000s | 44 |
| 2010s | 51 |
| 2020s | 14 |
Meaning & origin
Osei is a distinguished name of Akan origin from Ghana, frequently tied to Ashanti royalty and tradition. Its meaning spans "noble," "honor," and associations with the earth or Sunday-born children. In the United States, its recorded use began in 1974, and it reached its peak popularity in 1981. As of 2025, the name ranks 12,008th with approximately 1 in 341,615 newborns receiving it, maintaining a stable trajectory over the decades. Though not widely used, Osei carries cultural depth and a strong, regal sound that appeals to parents seeking a meaningful name with African heritage.
Osei is a name of Akan origin, primarily used among the Ashanti people of Ghana. It is often associated with royalty, notably borne by several Asantehenes (kings of the Ashanti Empire). The name can mean "noble" or "honor," and in some contexts refers to "the earth" or is given to a child born on Sunday. Its use has spread among the African diaspora, particularly in the United States and the Caribbean.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: O, Say
Sibling names for Osei
Names that share Osei's style, for a brother or sister.
