Declining since 1995, #1,499 for boys today.
Popularity of Hakeem since 1971
Babies named Hakeem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 209 |
| 1980s | 634 |
| 1990s | 2,187 |
| 2000s | 867 |
| 2010s | 1,362 |
| 2020s | 1,040 |
Meaning & origin
Hakeem entered U.S. records in 1971 and reached its peak rank of 1,499 in 1989, the same year its 1-in-14,599 incidence was recorded. The name has been in a falling trajectory since 1995, reflecting broader shifts away from once-trendy 1980s names. Top states for Hakeem include Ohio, Virginia, and New York, showing concentration in diverse urban centers. While not currently rising, Hakeem retains strong cultural resonance through its Arabic meaning and notable sports figure.
Hakeem derives from the Arabic root ḥ-k-m, conveying wisdom and judgment. The name is a direct transliteration of حكيم, meaning 'wise' or 'physician.' It has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally. The name gained visibility in the United States partly due to basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon, who was drafted in 1984.
Where Hakeem 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.
“Hakeem” around the world
Where Hakeem lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hak, Keem
Sibling names for Hakeem
Names that share Hakeem's style, for a brother or sister.
