MallowbyNames

Rakiya

راقيةrah-KEE-yah · Of uncertain origin, possibly derived from Arabic rakiya meaning 'to ascend' or 'to rise', or from a variant of Raqiya.

Peak popularity
2008
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2020

Rising since 2020.

Popularity of Rakiya since 1989

Babies named Rakiya per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1121321990200020102020Most births 2008Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s9
1990s99
2000s206
2010s96
2020s18

Meaning & origin

Rakiya is a rare feminine name of Arabic origin that entered U.S. records in 1989. It has never ranked in the top 1000, but saw its highest recorded usage in 2008. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2020, suggesting renewed interest. While its exact meaning remains uncertain, it resonates with Arabic roots and is often chosen for its melodic sound. Rakiya's usage is scattered across the country, with no single state standing out.

Rakiya likely originated as a feminine name in Arabic-speaking regions, possibly derived from the root r-k-y meaning 'to ascend' or 'to rise'. It may also be a variant of Raqiya, a name borne in the Quran as the wife of the Pharaoh's daughter. The name saw modest use in the United States from the 1980s, with a peak in 2008.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Raki, Kiya

Variants: Raqiya, Rakeya, Rakiyah

Sibling names for Rakiya

Names that share Rakiya's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Amina, Layla, Zahara, Jamila, Nadia

Brothers: Khalil, Amir, Yusuf, Zayd, Omar

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Rakiya, our favorite little girl.

R is for Rakiya…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Rakiya's letter becomes Rakiya's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Rakiya mean?
The meaning of Rakiya is uncertain, but it may be derived from Arabic meaning 'to ascend' or 'to rise', or it could be a variant of Raqiya.
How popular is the name Rakiya?
Rakiya has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names. It was first recorded in 1989, with its peak usage in 2008.
Is Rakiya a boy or girl name?
Rakiya is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.