Rising since 2018, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Akeel since 1991
Babies named Akeel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 50 |
| 2000s | 24 |
| 2010s | 14 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Akeel is a relatively rare name in the United States, with records beginning in 1991. It ranked 9,714 in 2025, reflecting an estimated 1 in 244,011 births. The name has seen a gradual rise in popularity since 2018 and reached its highest rank in 2021. While not among the most common Arabic-derived names, Akeel is chosen by families who value its clear meaning and connection to Arabic heritage. The spelling 'Akeel' is one of several anglicized variants of the classical 'Aqil,' which has been used across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries.
Akeel is a transliteration of the Arabic name 'Aqil (عَقِيل), which derives from the root ع-ق-ل (ʿ-q-l) meaning 'to understand, to be intelligent.' In Arabic naming tradition, Aqil has been used as a personal name for centuries, signifying wisdom and sound judgment. The spelling Akeel is a common anglicized variant, especially among South Asian and African American communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aki, Keel
Sibling names for Akeel
Names that share Akeel's style, for a brother or sister.

