Abdi is of African origin, specifically from Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it's derived from the Semitic root 'abd', meaning 'servant'. This name has a significant historical context, as it was borne by several prominent figures in Ethiopian history, including Emperor Abdeel. The name Abdi gained worldwide recognition through the popular television series 'The Wire', with actor Michael B. Jordan portraying the character of 'Omar Little', often referred to by his given name Abdu. In English-speaking countries, Abdi is often pronounced /ˈæb.diː/ and has a distinct, unique sound compared to many other names in common usage.
"The name Abdi had two peaks in popularity between 2001 and 2006, with five births each year during those periods."