Holding steady.
Popularity of Nakima since 1976
Babies named Nakima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 45 |
| 1980s | 97 |
| 1990s | 23 |
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nakima is a modern American name that first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1976. It reached its peak popularity in 1981, though it has never been common enough to rank among the top 1,000 names. The name has remained in consistent but rare use, showing a stable trajectory through the late 20th century and into the 2020s. Nakima is part of a wave of creatively spelled and rhythmically similar names that emerged in African American communities during the 1970s and 1980s, such as Nakia and Tameka. Its exact origins are unclear, but it carries a melodic three-syllable structure and a distinctive sound.
Nakima likely emerged in the United States in the late 20th century as a modern coinage. It may be influenced by names such as Nakia (of Arabic origin meaning 'pure') or Nakisha (a modern invented name), combined with the fashionable suffix -ima. The name first appeared in Social Security records in 1976 and saw its peak usage in 1981.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Naki, Kima
Sibling names for Nakima
Names that share Nakima's style, for a brother or sister.
