The surname Obala would have its origin in nicknames of Slavic root linked to physical characteristics. On this point E. Rossoni and B. Zuanella agree, relating it to terms such as obla ("ball", "sphere") or óbel ("oval", "rounded"), used to describe a person of robust build or rounded forms, in line with the frequent formation of surnames from physical traits.

B. Zuanella deepens this interpretation within the Slovene dialect sphere of the Natisone area, noting that obala would be an old form now fallen out of use, linked to derivatives such as obàlast ("oval") and to other terms related to rounded forms. He also clarifies that this origin has no relation to the modern Slovene word obala ("seashore"), and that it may even have influenced the formation of local place names associated with rounded reliefs.