MallowbyNames

Zakiyah

zah-KEE-yah · Pure, virtuous, or intelligent, derived from the Arabic root Z-K-Y.

2025 rank (girls)
#3,712
Babies named in 2025
40
Peak popularity
2008
2025 frequency
1 in 40,182 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2008

Declining since 2008, #3,712 for girls today.

Popularity of Zakiyah since 1976

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

3672108198020002020Most births 2008Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s5
1980s47
1990s192
2000s753
2010s743
2020s295

Meaning & origin

Zakiyah, a name of Arabic origin meaning 'pure' or 'virtuous,' entered U.S. records in 1976. It saw a gradual rise in usage throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reaching its peak rank in 2008. Since then, its popularity has declined, though it remains a recognizable choice, particularly in Texas. The name's steady trajectory from the 1970s onward mirrors the growing appreciation for Arabic-derived names in American culture. In 2025, it ranked 3,712th, with a 1-in-40,182 incidence among newborn girls, reflecting its moderate but enduring appeal.

Zakiyah is a feminine form of the Arabic name Zaki, which derives from the root Z-K-Y, meaning 'to be pure, virtuous, or intelligent.' The name is used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally. Its popularity in the United States rose in the late 20th century, reflecting broader trends in adopting names from Islamic heritage.

Where Zakiyah is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zaki, Kiya, Z

Variants: Zakiya, Zakya, Zakia

Sibling names for Zakiyah

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

Sisters: Aaliyah, Jamila, Layla, Nadia, Zara

Brothers: Amir, Jamal, Malik, Omar, Zayn

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

Z is for Zakiyah, our favorite little girl.

Z is for Zakiyah…”

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

Make Zakiyah's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zakiyah mean?
Zakiyah means 'pure,' 'virtuous,' or 'intelligent' in Arabic.
How popular is the name Zakiyah?
Zakiyah ranked 3,712th in 2025, with about 1 in 40,182 girls given the name that year. Its peak popularity was in 2008.
Is Zakiyah a boy or girl name?
Zakiyah is typically a girl's name.