Rising since 2005, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Zeki since 2003
Babies named Zeki per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 25 |
| 2010s | 57 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Zeki is a Turkish name meaning 'intelligent,' derived from the Arabic root z-k-y. It entered the U.S. naming data in 2003 and has experienced a steady rise in popularity since 2005, reflecting growing interest in concise, meaningful names from diverse cultures. Despite a modest rank of 12,008 in 2025 (1 in 341,615 births), its upward trajectory suggests increasing appeal, particularly in communities with Turkish heritage. The name's peak year so far was 2020, indicating that Zeki remains a distinctive choice rather than a mainstream trend.
Zeki derives from the Arabic root z-k-y, meaning 'to be intelligent, clever, or sharp.' It is a common Turkish given name, directly borrowed from Arabic zakī (ذَكِيّ), and has been used in Turkey for centuries. The name has gained modest international visibility in the 21st century.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Zeki
Names that share Zeki's style, for a brother or sister.
