MallowbyNames

Akeel

عَقِيلah-KEEL · Intelligent, wise, or one with understanding.

2025 rank (boys)
#9,714
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
2021
2025 frequency
1 in 244,011 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2018

Rising since 2018, #9,714 for boys today.

Popularity of Akeel since 1991

Babies named Akeel per year in U.S. Social Security records.

5914200020102020Most births 2021Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s50
2000s24
2010s14
2020s33

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

Variants: Aqil, Akil, Aqeel, Akeel

Sibling names for Akeel

Names that share Akeel's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Aisha, Layla, Zara, Nadia, Safia, Akeela

Brothers: Amir, Khalil, Jamal, Zayn, Rashid

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Akeel, our favorite little boy.

A is for Akeel…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Akeel's letter becomes Akeel's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Akeel's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Akeel mean?
Akeel means wise or intelligent, derived from the Arabic root 'a-q-l, which conveys understanding and reason.
How popular is the name Akeel?
As of 2025, Akeel ranked 9,714 in the U.S., with about 1 in 244,011 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2021, and it has been rising since 2018.
Is Akeel a boy's name or a girl's name?
Akeel is traditionally a masculine name in Arabic and is used almost exclusively for boys.