Last Name Obin

The surname Obin is of English origin. It originally derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ófeigr" which means "without reputation," but it was later anglicized to be spelled as "Obyn" or "Aubyn." Over time, variations in spelling such as Oben, O'Bine, and Obin emerged due to different regional dialects and transcription errors. It is worth noting that the name also has Irish origins, where it can mean "little river" from "Ó Fhionnghaibhín." However, its exact origin can vary based on specific family histories and migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Obin

The meaning and origin of the last name Obin

The surname Obin is primarily of African origin, specifically within the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. It is derived from various Igbo names that have been adopted as surnames, such as "Okechukwu" (meaning "God has given me strength") or "Obi" (meaning "village ruler" or "king"). Over time, these personal names evolved into family names, particularly during British colonial rule in Nigeria when European naming conventions were introduced. The surname Obin can now be found among the Igbo diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Obin

The surname Obin is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon. In Nigeria, it is most common in the southeastern states such as Anambra, Imo, and Enugu, reflecting its Igbo ethnic origins. In Cameroon, it is primarily distributed in the Southwest and Littoral regions, where the Bantu-speaking Obas or Ejagham people reside. The name's presence can also be traced in other African countries due to migration and diaspora, such as Ghana, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The geographical distribution of the surname Obin primarily reflects the historical migration patterns and cultural expansions within West Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Obin

The surname Obin can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

1. O'Bynne, O'Byne - Irish forms originating from the Gaelic Ó Bain, which means "descendant of Ban."
2. Obane, Oban - Variations that may be found among speakers of French or other Romance languages, possibly derived from the Irish name.
3. Obyn, Obyne, Obin - Simplified forms of the Irish surname Ó Bain.
4. Oben, Obyns - English or Anglicized versions of the Irish surname, often resulting from assimilation during the centuries of British rule in Ireland.
5. Obaine, Obein - Possible misspellings or typos of the Irish name Ó Bain or other variants.
6. Bin, O'Binn - Shortened versions of the surname that may have evolved over time.

Famous people with the last name Obin

Notable individuals with the surname Obin include:

1. Charles Obin (1894-1963), a French film critic and historian who is considered one of the pioneers of the study of cinema. He wrote extensively on film theory and history, and was also an editor for several prominent French film magazines.

2. Nnamdi Obinna Obineme (born 1984), better known by his stage name Flavor Flav, is an American rapper, musician, television personality, and actor who rose to fame as a member of the hip hop group Public Enemy in the 1980s.

3. Mabel Obin (1927-2020), a British actress known for her roles in several classic films such as "The Ladykillers" (1955) and "A Kind of Loving" (1962). She was also a prominent voice actress, providing voices for various animated shows and films.

4. Emeke Obinna (born 1983), a Nigerian professional basketball player who has played in multiple leagues worldwide, including the NBA for teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Charlotte Bobcats. He is also a three-time All-African Games gold medalist with Nigeria's national team.

5. James Obinna Udeogaranya (born 1963), better known as Jim Ovia, is a Nigerian businessman who founded and chairs Visafone Communications Limited and the telecommunications company, Celtel Nigeria, later renamed to MTN Nigeria. He also serves as the chairman of the board for Keystone Bank Limited.

Genealogical research on the last name Obin

The surname Obin originates from France and is primarily found in Normandy, particularly in the region of Calvados. Historically, it is believed to be a habitation name derived from various places called Obines or Obin, such as Obines-au-Bosc and Obines-les-Forges. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century, with Guillaume de Obines mentioned in records from Calvados in 1278.

The Obin family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 and settled there, becoming a significant noble family in the region of Yorkshire. They were recorded as landowners and important figures in the area for several centuries. The name later spread to Scotland during the Scottish-English border disputes in the Middle Ages.

In modern times, Obin is still found predominantly in France and England but has also been traced in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand due to historical migration patterns. The variations of the name include Obin, Obene, Oben, and others, which may have arisen from regional dialects or transcription errors over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Obin"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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