Obi
Obi is a boys' name of African origin meaning “heart, mind.” Obi is an Igbo name meaning 'heart' or 'mind.
how do you pronounce Obi?
OH-bee
Hear it spoken aloud with our AI pronunciation tool.
what does Obi mean?
The name Obi means “heart, mind.” It comes from the African language tradition.
Obi is an Igbo name meaning 'heart' or 'mind.' In Igbo culture, 'obi' also refers to the central living quarters in a traditional compound. The name gained wider recognition through Chinua Achebe's novel 'No Longer at Ease' featuring the character Obi Okonkwo.
where does the name Obi come from?
Wikipedia confirms Obi as a common Igbo given name and surname. Because Igbo is a tonal language, the same spelling can mean 'heart,' 'chest,' 'desire,' or 'mind' (Óbì) depending on pronunciation, or can instead describe the central part of a traditional homestead where guests were received (Òbí) — matching both the 'heart, mind' gloss and the homestead sense given elsewhere.
the history of Obi
The source found here does not give a dated history of Obi's use as a given name, so none is offered beyond its identification as a longstanding common Igbo name.
who are famous people named Obi?
- Obi Toppin (American NBA player)
- Obi Melifonwu (American NFL player)
what names go well with Obi?
Sibling names that share Obi's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
Last reviewed April 30, 2026 · Curated by HushName editorial
love Obi? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
start free consultation