Obe

heart
American origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#783US 2023
1.4kBirths / yr
Stable
73All-time births
📅 Since 188100.01% of births at peak

What does Obe mean and where does it come from?

Obe is a name of Nigerian origin, commonly found in the Yoruba culture, where it translates to 'heart'. It signifies love and valiance in its context. In the United States, Obe serves as a short form or nickname for various names, and it has become more prevalent among parents wanting concise yet me

Cultural significance
Obe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of heart.
Peak popularity
Reached #861 in 1881 — currently #783 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Obe?

Obe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Obe Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Obe Rose
Floral · soft ending
Obe Mae
Sweet · timeless
Obe Claire
French influence · crisp
Obe Jane
Literary · strong
Obe Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Obe
Browse ideas →

How popular is Obe right now?

Holding steady — currently #783 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19152023#783 · Top 0.58%
1915
1920
1925
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#7831,417▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022#7881,397▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#7931,367▲ up 2978 · +22683% births
1925#37716▲ up 555 · +20% births
1920#43265▼ down 1216 · -29% births
1915#31107

The story of Obe

Obe has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 73 total births recorded, Obe remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3110 in 1915 to #783 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Obe in 1881:

Obe by decade

Obe peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

DecadeBirths
1880s16
1910s16
1920s35
1940s6
💎Obe has only 73 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Obe?

Common
ObObieOby

Common questions about the name Obe

What does the name Obe mean?
Obe means "heart" — a name rooted in American 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 Obe?
Obe is currently ranked #783 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 Obe?
Obe originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What personality traits are associated with the name Obe?
Studies on name perception suggest that Obe is often associated with strength and reliability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.
What middle names pair well with Obe?
Obe is a balanced name that pairs beautifully with middle names of longer, flowing length. Classic middle names like Grace, Rose, James, and Michael complement Obe particularly well.