NameCensus.

UK surname

Oboh

An occupational surname derived from the Yoruba word "oboh" meaning "seller" or "trader".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bury, Slough and Croydon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Oboh is 128 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

128

2016, ranked #26,401

Peak year

2016

128 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • • The latest modern count shown here is 128 in 2016, ranked #26,401.
  • • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1 in 1861.
  • • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Oboh surname distribution map

The map shows where the Oboh surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Oboh surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Oboh over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1861 historical 1 #34,435
1997 modern 32 #34,472
1998 modern 38 #34,066
1999 modern 40 #33,967
2000 modern 42 #33,791
2001 modern 43 #33,576
2002 modern 58 #32,564
2003 modern 59 #32,530
2004 modern 68 #31,880
2005 modern 83 #30,486
2006 modern 90 #29,893
2007 modern 97 #29,156
2008 modern 102 #28,664
2009 modern 110 #27,991
2010 modern 119 #27,250
2011 modern 116 #27,477
2012 modern 108 #28,849
2013 modern 118 #27,686
2014 modern 117 #28,109
2015 modern 124 #26,944
2016 modern 128 #26,401

Geography

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Where Obohs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bury, Slough, Croydon, Lambeth and Islington. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bury 021 Bury
2 Slough 004 Slough
3 Croydon 007 Croydon
4 Lambeth 029 Lambeth
5 Islington 019 Islington

Forenames

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First names often paired with Oboh

These lists show first names that appear often with the Oboh surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Oboh

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Oboh, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Oboh surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Oboh household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Oboh is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Oboh is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Oboh falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Oboh is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Black - African

This describes the area pattern most associated with Oboh, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Oboh

The surname OBOH has its origins tracing back to the Edo region of modern-day Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged during the 15th century, deriving from the Edo language spoken by the Edo people. The name OBOH is thought to be linked to the Edo word "obho," which translates to "river" or "stream."

In the earlier records of the Edo Kingdom, the name OBOH appeared in various forms, including Oboho, Obhoh, and Obogho. These variations likely stemmed from the linguistic nuances and regional dialects within the Edo region. The name was often associated with individuals residing near major waterways or engaged in activities related to rivers and streams.

One of the earliest documented mentions of the name OBOH can be found in the records of the Oba (King) of Benin, dating back to the late 16th century. These records highlight the presence of OBOH family members among the royal advisors and noble households of the Edo Kingdom.

Notable individuals with the surname OBOH include Oba Esigie (c. 1504-1550), a prominent ruler of the Edo Kingdom, who is believed to have had advisors bearing the name OBOH. Another historically significant figure was Chief Oboh Ikpoba (c. 1650-1720), a renowned warrior and leader from the Ikpoba-Okha region, whose exploits were documented in oral histories and folklore.

In the 18th century, records indicate the presence of an OBOH family in the Edo town of Ekpoma. One notable member was Oboh Edosomwan (c. 1730-1810), a respected elder and community leader known for his wisdom and diplomatic skills.

During the 19th century, the OBOH name gained prominence in the trading communities along the Niger River. Oboh Abiodun (c. 1820-1890), a successful merchant and entrepreneur, was renowned for his extensive trade network and contributions to the local economy.

As the OBOH surname spread beyond the Edo region, it gained recognition in other parts of Nigeria and Africa. In the early 20th century, Oboh Ikhuenibe (1895-1973), a prominent educator and advocate for women's rights, made significant contributions to the advancement of education in her community.

Throughout history, the OBOH surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including leaders, warriors, merchants, and scholars. While the name's origins trace back to the Edo region, it has since transcended geographical boundaries and continues to hold significance within the cultural fabric of Nigeria and beyond.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Oboh surname: questions and answers

How common is the Oboh surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 128 in 2016. That gives Oboh a modern rank of #26,401.

What does the Oboh surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from the Yoruba word "oboh" meaning "seller" or "trader".

What does the Oboh map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Oboh bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.