Rising since 2004, #2,077 for boys today.
Popularity of Akeem since 1972
Babies named Akeem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 58 |
| 1980s | 1,796 |
| 1990s | 2,372 |
| 2000s | 722 |
| 2010s | 1,159 |
| 2020s | 718 |
Meaning & origin
Akeem first appeared on U.S. records in 1972 and peaked in popularity in 1990, when it ranked among the top 1000 names. Its usage has since declined, but since 2004 it has been on a modest upward trajectory, reflecting renewed interest. The name is most common in Georgia, Florida, and New York, states with significant African American populations where the spelling variant Akeem has cultural resonance. While the Arabic root Hakim carries religious significance, Akeem is often chosen for its modern, accessible sound and its association with the beloved 'Coming to America' character.
Akeem is an Arabic name derived from Hakim, meaning 'wise' or 'judicious'. It is a variant of the name Hakeem, which is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam, Al-Hakim (The All-Wise). The spelling Akeem emerged as a phonetic variant, particularly in African American communities, influenced by the Afrocentric naming movement of the 1970s and 1980s. The name gained visibility through the character Akeem Joffer in the 1988 comedy film 'Coming to America' starring Eddie Murphy.
Where Akeem is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Akeem” around the world
Where Akeem lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Keem, Aki
Sibling names for Akeem
Names that share Akeem's style, for a brother or sister.
