The village, which is over 900 years old, was first mentioned in a document in 1074. Further references were made to Prylip in 1385 (the two villages), Preylip in 1455, Prilans in 1475 and Obern Preylip in 1529. The name is derived from the Slavic word Prilep, "appendage", and refers to a place in a nest location. Before 1826, the village belonged to Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, then to the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. From 1920, Oberpreilipp belonged to the district of Saalfeld. At its own request, the municipality became part of the district of Rudolstadt on July 1, 1950. There has always been a close relationship with the neighboring village of Unterpreilipp. Oberpreilipp was the school for both villages. The church, which was completely renovated in 1862, is also shared by all Preilipp residents. In addition to agriculture, viticulture played a role for the inhabitants for centuries. Traces of the terraced beds, dry stone walls and many a wild vine can still be found in the fields today. After leaving the administrative community of Uhlstädt, Oberpreilipp has belonged to Rudolstadt since January 1, 1997.