I'm not exactly sure, though I'm guessing no. If it helps this is what I did:
--Exported an object from another Maya scene as an OBJ.
--Imported it in under several different options in the import options dialogue. Two of these options appeared to work at first, but the prefix reappears when the new object is renamed.
--Sobbed uncontrollably and wished I became a crab fisherman instead. Though I changed the occupation to zookeeper on the fifth attempt.
~CG

BTW: How do I tell if it's ref'd or not?