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Home › Baby Names Directory › Akela

Akela

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-KAY-lah /ɑˈkeɪ.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: Variously a Hawaiian form of Adela ('noble', Germanic) and the name of the wolf-pack leader in The Jungle Book (from the Hindi akela, 'alone/single'); used for both sexes; we note the pop-culture linkLow

In 30 seconds: Noble; a leader: Akela is Hawaiian/literary. Lyrical, modern, and warm (said 'ah-KAY-lah'). Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowHawaiian, Literary
MeaningVariously a Hawaiian form of Adela ('noble', Germanic) and the name of the wolf-pack leader in The Jungle Book (from the Hindi akela, 'alone/single'); used for both sexes; we note the pop-culture link
U.S. rank (2024)#9899 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 38

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202020162024

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

Akela comes variously from a Hawaiian form of Adela ('noble', Germanic) and the name of the wolf-pack leader in The Jungle Book (from the Hindi akela, 'alone/single'; we note the pop-culture link). A lyrical, modern name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'ah-KAY-lah').

In the U.S. it appears in Hawaiian families and in Scouting (where 'Akela' is the pack leader). Rare, noble-and-a-leader at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Akela is variously a Hawaiian form of Adela ('noble') and the wolf-pack leader in The Jungle Book (Hindi akela, 'alone') — a lyrical, modern name used for both sexes (we note the pop-culture link; said 'ah-KAY-lah').
Overall data confidence 26%
References — Akela — Hawaiian/literary; unisex; routes layered

Variations

AkilaAdela

Nicknames

Ake

Famous Bearers

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If you like Akela…

Keanu— a fellow Hawaiian boys' name
Kai— a companion Hawaiian boys' name
Koa— a sound-adjacent Hawaiian boys' name
Makoa— a kin Hawaiian boys' name

Explore names like Akela

By themeuncertainunisexliteraryhawaiianpop-culture
By meaningRoyal / NobleLeader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Akela mean?

Akela is variously a Hawaiian form of Adela ('noble') and the wolf-pack leader in The Jungle Book (Hindi 'alone'); used for both sexes; here for a boy. We note the pop-culture link.

How do you pronounce Akela?

It's said ah-KAY-lah /ɑˈkeɪ.lɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Akela a boy or girl name?

Akela is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Akela?

Akela is a very rare name in the U.S.

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