Declining since 1985, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Nakia since 1973
Babies named Nakia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 3,551 | 1,383 |
| 1980s | 2,158 | 116 |
| 1990s | 1,742 | 278 |
| 2000s | 942 | 178 |
| 2010s | 250 | 37 |
| 2020s | 95 | 14 |
Meaning & origin
Nakia is a name with uncertain origins, likely derived from the Arabic Naqiyya meaning "pure." It entered U.S. naming records in 1973 and hit its peak year in 1974, when it was most popular. Since 1985, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a steady decline in use over the decades. Today, it remains a rare choice, with an estimated 1 in every 200,908 newborns receiving the name in recent years. The name carries a melodic, Arabic-influenced sound and is used almost exclusively for girls. While not among the most common names, Nakia offers a distinctive and elegant option for parents seeking a name with potential roots in Arabic or African languages.
Nakia is most likely a variant of the Arabic name Naqiyya, meaning "pure" or "clean." It may also be a feminine form of Naki, a short form of Nakia meaning "pure" in some African languages. The name gained modest use in the United States starting in the 1970s.
Where Nakia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nakia” around the world
Where Nakia 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: Niki, Kia
Sibling names for Nakia
Names that share Nakia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Zara, Aaliyah, Sanaa, Nala, Inaya, Lakendra, Lashawnda, Shakera, Shamika, Sharice, Jamesia, Lakeysha, Laneisha, Laquana, Laquasha, Nakeya, Nakiyah, Shamekia, Shaunta, Takeisha, Takeya, Jakeira, Khalilah, Lakyra, Reneisha, Shakema, Shatonya, Shauntia, Shekia, Takeia, Tiwanna, Laneka, Nakima, Chakia, Dajsha, Lashika, Lateria, Nataki, Rashea, Rasheka, Sacoya, Shakesha, Shakevia, Shametra, Shaquera, Shaquia, Shineka, Tanicka, Tasheema, Tekeisha, Tekela
Brothers: Khalil, Jamal, Amir, Malik, Zion, Antwaun, Sharod, Delante, Vashawn, Deundra, Markice, Sheddrick
