Find out how popular the last name Obaseki is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Obaseki.

Obaseki, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Obaseki surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Obaseki in America

Obaseki is the 144141st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Obaseki surname appeared 115 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Obaseki.

The history of the last name Obaseki

The surname Obaseki originates from the Edo people of southern Nigeria, with its roots tracing back to the 15th century. The name is believed to have derived from the Edo word "Obazeki," meaning "a person from the town of Uzeki." This town, located in present-day Edo State, was once a thriving center of trade and commerce during the height of the Benin Empire.

The earliest recorded mention of the Obaseki name can be found in the oral histories and folklore of the Edo people, where it is associated with prominent families and clan leaders. These narratives often recount tales of valor, wisdom, and leadership, suggesting that the name held significance within the social and political structures of the time.

One of the first written records of the Obaseki name can be traced to the 17th century, when European explorers and traders began documenting their interactions with the peoples of West Africa. In these accounts, individuals bearing the name Obaseki are mentioned as influential merchants and intermediaries, facilitating trade between the coastal regions and the inland kingdoms.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Obaseki name gained further prominence as members of the family played influential roles in the administration and governance of the Benin Empire. Notable figures include Obaseki Ogiamien (1730-1804), a highly respected chief and diplomat, and Obaseki Ewuakpe (1820-1892), a renowned trader and philanthropist who established several schools and institutions in the region.

In the 20th century, the Obaseki name continued to be associated with leadership and public service. One of the most prominent individuals was Chief Obaseki Ogbegie (1902-1978), a pioneering educator and politician who served as the first Minister of Education in the Western Region of Nigeria after independence.

Another notable figure was Chief Obaseki Enahoro (1923-2010), a prominent nationalist and statesman who played a significant role in Nigeria's independence movement. He served as the first Minister of Home Affairs in the post-independence government and later became the Governor of the former Mid-Western Region.

Today, the Obaseki name continues to hold significance in Nigeria, with individuals bearing the surname making valuable contributions across various fields, including politics, business, education, and the arts.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Obaseki

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Obaseki.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Obaseki was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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