Oby

African, Igbo
"heart"

Oby Origin and Meaning

The name Oby is a boy's name.

Oby is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Igbo (Nigerian) contexts, it often serves as a shortened form of names beginning with 'Obi-' or 'Oby-', such as Obinna, meaning 'father's heart,' or Obiora, meaning 'heart of the people.' In this usage, it carries deep cultural significance relating to family and community connection. In Western contexts, Oby sometimes appears as a nickname for names like Obadiah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'servant of God.' The name is concise and distinctive, with a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. While not among the most common names globally, Oby has maintained consistent usage, particularly in Nigerian communities and their diaspora. The name's brevity gives it a modern appeal while still honoring cultural heritage.