What does Obafemi mean and where does it come from?
Obafemi is a name of Yoruba origin, primarily found in Nigeria. Yoruba is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, and the name means that a king or ruler loves the individual. The name gained prominence through notable figures such as Obafemi Awolowo, a key political leader and a national figur
Cultural significance
Obafemi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Nigeria-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the king loves me.
Peak popularity
Reached #13469 in 2017 — currently #794 in the US.
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Related Reading
Nigeria-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Obafemi?
Obafemi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Obafemi Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Obafemi Rose
Floral · soft ending
Obafemi Mae
Sweet · timeless
Obafemi Claire
French influence · crisp
Obafemi Jane
Literary · strong
Obafemi Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Obafemi right now?
Holding steady — currently #794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #794 | 1,406 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #799 | 1,386 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #804 | 1,356 | — |
The story of Obafemi
Obafemi is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2006. With 10 total births recorded, Obafemi remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #804 in 2021 to #794 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Obafemi in 2017:
💎Obafemi has only 10 total recorded births since 2006 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Obafemi?
What names sound and feel like Obafemi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Obafemi also consider these
Common questions about the name Obafemi
What does the name Obafemi mean?
Obafemi means "The king loves me" — a name rooted in Nigeria tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Obafemi?
Obafemi is currently ranked #794 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Obafemi?
Obafemi originates from Nigeria tradition. Nigeria names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Obafemi?
Obafemi is a four-syllable name pronounced OW1 B AH0 F EY1 M IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Obafemi?
Obafemi pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Nigeria heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.