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Akeelah
Pronounced ə-KEE-lah /əˈki.lɑ/Medium
Meaning: -ee- spelling of Akila — from Arabic aqila, 'intelligent, wise, sensible; one who reasons'Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Akeelah is an -ee- spelling of Akila — from Arabic aqila, 'intelligent, wise, sensible, discerning; one who reasons' (the feminine of Aqil). A lyrical, dignified name (popularized by the film Akeelah and the Bee, about a young spelling champion; said 'ə-KEE-lah').
In the U.S. it appears in African American and Muslim families. Rare, intelligent-and-wise at the root, and dignified.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Akeelah mean?
Akeelah spells Akila — Arabic 'intelligent, wise, sensible'.
How do you pronounce Akeelah?
It's said ə-KEE-lah /əˈki.lɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Akeelah a boy or girl name?
Akeelah is a girl's name.
How popular is Akeelah?
Akeelah is a rare name in the U.S.