Obi is a very common given name and surname of Igbo origin. Igbo being a tonal language, Obi can, depending on its pronunciation, either mean “heart”, “chest”, “desire”, “mind” (Óbì); or describe the central part of the homestead (Òbí) where guests were traditionally received.
People with this given name Obi Ikechukwu Charles (born 1985), Nigerian footballer Obi Egbuna (1938–2014), Nigerian-born novelist, playwright and political activist in the UK Obi Ezeh (1988–2024), American football player Obi Melifonwu (born 1994), American football player Obi Emmanuel Moneke (born 1983), Nigerian footballer
People with this surname Anthony Obi (1952–2022), Nigerian army officer and politician Chike Obi (1921–2008), Nigerian politician and mathematician Jide Obi (born 1962), Nigerian musician Joel Obi (born 1991), footballer Margaret Obi, British judge Paul Obi, Nigerian military officer and politician Peter Obi (born 1961), Nigerian politician Zacheus Chukwukaelo Obi (1896–1993), Nigerian leader
People with this nickname Obi Toppin (born 1998; first name Obadiah), American basketball player