Find out how popular the first name Obasi has been for the last 1 years (from 1996 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Obasi by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Obasi is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Obasi.

The history of the first name Obasi

Obasi is a name of Nigerian origin, derived from the Igbo language spoken primarily in southeastern Nigeria. The name is believed to have originated in the 15th century or earlier, during the height of the Nri Kingdom, one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the region.

The name Obasi is closely tied to the Igbo traditional religious belief system, where it refers to the supreme deity or creator god. Obasi is often translated as "the great source" or "the source of all life." The name is a compound word formed from the root words "oba" meaning "great" and "asi" meaning "source."

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Obasi can be found in the Igbo oral tradition, where it appears in various folk tales, proverbs, and mythological narratives. These oral traditions were eventually transcribed and documented by early Christian missionaries and anthropologists in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the historical record, one of the earliest notable individuals to bear the name Obasi was Obasi Nwamara, a renowned Igbo sculptor and woodcarver from the town of Nri, who lived in the late 18th century. His intricate wooden sculptures and masks were highly regarded for their artistic and cultural significance.

Another influential figure was Obasi Okafor, a powerful Igbo chief and warrior from the town of Awka, who lived in the early 19th century. Okafor played a significant role in the resistance against British colonial expansion in the region, leading his people in several battles against the invading forces.

In the 20th century, Obasi Okoronkwo was a prominent Igbo writer and playwright. Born in 1918, Okoronkwo's works explored themes of cultural identity, tradition, and the impact of colonialism on Igbo society. His play "Ije Odumodu" (The Traveler's Journey) is considered a classic of Igbo literature.

Obasi Nwobodo, born in 1938, was a Nigerian politician and statesman who served as the governor of the former Anambra State from 1979 to 1983. He was known for his efforts in promoting education and infrastructural development in the region.

More recently, Obasi Shaw is a contemporary Nigerian-American artist and sculptor. Born in 1967, Shaw's works often explore themes of identity, diaspora, and the intersection of African and Western cultures. His sculptures have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world.

While the name Obasi has its roots in the Igbo culture and tradition, it has transcended geographical boundaries and has been adopted by people of various backgrounds, particularly those with connections to Nigeria or the Igbo diaspora.

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 Obasi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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