Find out how popular the first name Oba has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oba by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Oba is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Oba.

The history of the first name Oba

The given name Oba has its origins in the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. The name is derived from the Yoruba word "Ọba," which means "king" or "ruler." It is believed to have emerged in the 14th century during the height of the Oyo Empire, one of the most influential and prosperous Yoruba kingdoms.

In the Yoruba culture, the title "Ọba" was reserved for the supreme leaders of the various city-states and kingdoms. These rulers were revered as the embodiment of spiritual and political authority. As such, the name Oba held significant cultural and historical significance, denoting a sense of royalty, power, and leadership.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Oba can be found in the oral traditions and historical accounts of the Yoruba people, particularly in the famous epic of Oyo's founding, known as the Itan Oyo. This epic details the exploits of various Oyo rulers, some of whom bore the name Oba or variations of it.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Oba. One of the most famous was Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (1857-1914), the last independent ruler of the Benin Kingdom, who fiercely resisted British colonization until his eventual exile in 1897.

Another notable figure was Oba Akinolu Funso Aderemi (1895-1980), the powerful and influential ruler of the Ijebu Kingdom in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. He played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the region during the colonial and post-colonial eras.

In the realm of literature, Oba Ibadan Lere Paimo (1896-1982), a renowned Yoruba author and playwright, made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture through his works, which explored themes of tradition, identity, and social change.

Oba Adeniji Okunkenu (1927-2001), a prominent Nigerian academic and author, was known for his expertise in Yoruba history, language, and culture. His works, including "The Yoruba Homeland" and "The Yoruba People: Their Culture and Philosophy," shed light on the rich heritage of the Yoruba people.

In the world of sports, Oba Okunade (1943-2020), a Nigerian sprinter, represented his country at the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the latter event.

The name Oba has endured through the centuries, carrying with it the weight of a rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It serves as a reminder of the influential Yoruba kingdoms and their leaders, whose legacies continue to shape the cultural landscape of West Africa and beyond.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Oba was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Oba, please contact us.

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