Ooi

Pronunciation: O-oy

Origin: Chinese (Hokkien)

Meaning: The surname Ooi is of Chinese origin, specifically originating from the Hokkien dialect. It is a common surname among the Hokkien-speaking Chinese community. The exact meaning of the name Ooi may vary depending on the specific Chinese characters used to write it.

Distribution: The surname Ooi is found predominantly among the Chinese diaspora, particularly in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and other regions with large Hokkien-speaking populations. It is also present, albeit less commonly, in Western countries due to migration and globalisation.

Variants: The surname Ooi may be transliterated with different spellings, such as Oi, Owy, or Oey, depending on the romanisation system used and the specific regional variations in pronunciation.

Notable People: The surname Ooi has been borne by several notable individuals, including scholars, businesspersons, and public figures. One prominent example is Ooi Kee Beng, a Malaysian academic and writer known for his contributions to Southeast Asian studies.

In Popular Culture: The surname Ooi has also made appearances in popular culture, both in literary works and media productions. Its unique sound and distinctive spelling have made it a memorable choice for fictional characters in various creative works.

In conclusion, the surname Ooi holds significance within the Chinese diaspora, particularly among those of Hokkien descent. Its widespread distribution and diverse variations reflect the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and its global connections.

There are approximately 396 people named Ooi in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Ooi.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adrian
  • Ben
  • Chun
  • Daniel
  • Darren
  • Gim
  • Hong
  • Jonathan
  • Kok
  • Peng
  • Raymond
  • Wei
  • Xian
  • Yin

Female

  • Ai
  • Bee
  • Grace
  • Li
  • May
  • Mei
  • Pei
  • Rachel
  • Ruby
  • Siew

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