Last Name Obena

The last name "Obena" appears to have origins in the Philippines. It is a Filipino surname that likely traces back to a specific region or family within the country. Unfortunately, there is limited publicly available information on the specific origins or meaning of the name "Obena." It may be helpful to consult with genealogical records or speak to family members to learn more about the surname's background.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Obena

The meaning and origin of the last name Obena

The surname Obena has its origin in the Basque region of Spain. It is believed to be a variant of the surname Oban, which is derived from the Basque word "obea" meaning valley. The surname Obena is most commonly found in the province of Guipuzcoa in the Basque Country. It is thought to have originated as a locational surname, given to people who lived in or near a valley. Over time, the surname may have been anglicized or altered, resulting in the variation Obena. Today, individuals with the surname Obena can be found not only in Spain but also in other parts of the world, as a result of migration and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Obena

The last name Obena is most commonly found in the Philippines, particularly in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. Within these regions, it is most prevalent in cities such as Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga. The surname may have originated from the Visayan dialect, which is widely spoken in the central islands of the Philippines. The Obena family may have roots in these areas, with a significant number of individuals bearing this surname residing in these regions. Outside of the Philippines, the surname Obena is relatively rare, with only a few scattered instances found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia among Filipino diaspora communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Obena indicates a strong connection to the Philippines, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Obena

The last name Obena can have several variations and spellings depending on different cultures and regions. Some common variations include Obina, Obeno, Obinna, and Obeña. In certain areas, the name may also be spelled as Obeina, Obiné, or even Obenna. These variations may be due to differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions specific to each language or dialect. Additionally, surname spellings can change over time as families migrate and settle in new locations, leading to further adaptations of the name. Despite these variations, the core meaning of the surname Obena remains consistent, often denoting a familial or ancestral connection. Overall, the diverse spellings and iterations of the last name Obena reflect the rich tapestry of history and migration patterns that shape family names around the world.

Famous people with the last name Obena

As of my knowledge cutoff date of October 2021, there are no widely recognized or famous individuals with the last name Obena. It is possible that there may be lesser-known individuals or private figures with this surname, but they have not achieved notable fame or recognition in mainstream media or popular culture. Additionally, it is important to note that the information provided is subject to change, and there may be individuals with the last name Obena who have gained prominence after the aforementioned date.

Genealogical research on the last name Obena

The last name Obena is of Spanish origin and is believed to have originated in the region of Basque Country. The name may have derived from the Basque word "obe," meaning hill, and "ena," which is a suffix denoting a place or a locality. The surname Obena could have been originally used to identify someone who lived near or on a hill. Research on the genealogy of the Obena name shows that it has been primarily found in the Philippines, with significant populations also in Spain and the United States. The surname may have been brought to the Philippines by Spanish colonizers during the colonial period. Today, individuals with the last name Obena can be found in various parts of the world, and further genealogical research into its origins and migration patterns may provide more insights into the family history of this surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "obena"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends