Declining since 1996, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Akilah since 1972
Babies named Akilah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 507 |
| 1980s | 668 |
| 1990s | 874 |
| 2000s | 545 |
| 2010s | 296 |
| 2020s | 122 |
Meaning & origin
Akilah entered U.S. records in 1972 and saw its greatest use in the 1990s, peaking in 1996. Since then, its popularity has steadily fallen; as of 2025, it ranks 9,457th and occurs in roughly 1 in 160,727 births. The name has not been associated with any top states in the available data, reflecting its modest and scattered use. A feminine form of the Arabic Aqil, it carries the straightforward meaning of 'intelligent' or 'wise,' a virtue name that appeals to parents seeking a meaningful, cross-cultural choice. Its sound and spelling fit comfortably alongside other Arabic-origin names like Aisha and Amira, and it offers simple nicknames such as Aki or Kiki.
Akilah is the feminine form of the Arabic name Aqil, derived from the root 'a-q-l, meaning 'intelligence' or 'reason.' It has been used in Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities for centuries, though its adoption in the United States is more recent, dating from the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aki, Kiki, Lah
Variants: Aqeelah, Aqila, Ackelah
Sibling names for Akilah
Names that share Akilah's style, for a brother or sister.
