Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Nakeem since 1989
Babies named Nakeem per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2002, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nakeem's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 74 |
| 2000s | 51 |
| 2010s | 30 |
| 2020s | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Nakeem is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1989. Its origins are uncertain; it may be an invented name or a creative variant of Hakim, an Arabic name meaning 'wise' or 'judge.' The name has remained relatively uncommon, ranking 10,695th in 2025 with about 1 in 284,679 boys receiving it. Its peak popularity occurred in 2023, after which it has held a stable trajectory. Nakeem has not been associated with any particular states or cultural groups, suggesting it is used sporadically across the country. The name's modern coinage and lack of clear etymology contribute to its novelty, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive and contemporary sound.
Nakeem is a relatively modern name in the United States, first recorded in 1989. Its origin is uncertain; it may be an invented name or a creative respelling of Hakim (Arabic for 'wise' or 'judge'). The name has seen modest usage without a clear etymological root.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nake, Keem
Variants: Nakeem, Naqeem
Sibling names for Nakeem
Names that share Nakeem's style, for a brother or sister.
