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Last Name Obembe

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What is the origin of the last name Obembe?

The surname Obembe is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu ethnic group. It is derived from the Kikongo language spoken by the Bakongo people living in the Congo Basin region of Central Africa. The name Obembe means "the one who sells salt" or "salt seller." This surname has been carried to other parts of the world, particularly to Brazil and Portugal, due to historical migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Obembe

The meaning and origin of the last name Obembe

The surname Obembe is of African origin, specifically from West Africa. It belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group, which is predominant in Nigeria. The name is derived from the Yoruba language and translates to "born during a storm" or "born in the midst of turbulence". In Yoruba culture, names often reflect significant events that occurred at the time of birth, or traits that are wished for the child. As a surname, Obembe is relatively uncommon outside West Africa, but has been brought to other parts of the world by African diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Obembe

The surname Obembe is predominantly found in West African countries, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon. It is most concentrated in the southern region of Nigeria, specifically in states such as Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Cross River. In Cameroon, it is primarily distributed in the Southwest and Littoral regions, which border Nigeria. The surname also has a presence in other African countries due to migration, particularly in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, there are also instances of Obembe individuals residing outside Africa, primarily in North America and Europe, as a result of diaspora and global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Obembe

The surname Obembe has several variations and alternate spellings. Some of these include Obeyme, Obimey, Obemey, Obimay, Obemy, Obambi, Obeme, Obami, and Obamy. These variations might arise due to phonetic changes, regional dialects, or errors during transcription over time. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can be subjective and may depend on personal preference or cultural context. To avoid confusion, it's always best to ask someone with direct knowledge about their preferred spelling.

Famous people with the last name Obembe

Notable individuals with the surname Obembe include:

1. Okey Obembe, a Nigerian journalist, novelist, and human rights activist who has written for various international publications and authored several books. His works often explore themes of identity, social justice, and the African experience.

2. Tosin Obembe, a British lawyer and academic specializing in international law, human rights, and corporate social responsibility. He is currently a Professor of International Law at the University of Reading, UK.

3. Adebayo Obembe, a Nigerian scientist who has made significant contributions to biotechnology, especially in the field of plant genetics. He has published numerous research papers and holds several patents for his work.

4. Jide Obembe, a British-Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Jideobem Foundation, which supports various educational initiatives in Nigeria.

These individuals have made notable contributions to their respective fields and have been recognized for their achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Obembe

The Obembe surname is predominantly found among the Yoruba people, an ethnic group primarily from Nigeria and Benin. The name derives from the Yoruba language and can be translated as "born on a market day." The Yoruba are known for their strong oral tradition, where names often reflect the circumstances of one's birth or significant events in a person's life. The Obembe clan is believed to have originated from the city of Ibadan, which is one of the largest cities in Nigeria and a cultural hub of the Yoruba people. Over time, members of the Obembe family migrated to various parts of Africa and the world due to political instability, economic reasons, or religious conversion, establishing communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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