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Home › Baby Names Directory › Akili

Akili

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-KEE-lee /ɑˈki.li/Medium

Meaning: From the Swahili akili, 'wisdom; intelligence; the mind/reason'; used for both sexesLow

In 30 seconds: Wisdom; intelligence; the mind: Akili is Swahili. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'ah-KEE-lee'). Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowSwahili
MeaningFrom the Swahili akili, 'wisdom; intelligence; the mind/reason'; used for both sexes
U.S. rank (2025)#9757 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 461

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199919722025

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

Akili comes from the Swahili akili, 'wisdom; intelligence; the mind/reason'; used for both sexes. A lyrical, classic name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'ah-KEE-lee').

In the U.S. it appears in East African and African American families. Rare, wisdom-and-intelligence at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Akili means 'wisdom; intelligence; the mind' in Swahili — a lyrical, thoughtful name used for both sexes (said 'ah-KEE-lee').
Overall data confidence 38%
References — Akili — Swahili; unisex

Variations

AkilAkhili

Nicknames

Akil

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Akili…

Akil— a kin Arabic 'wise' boys' name
Jelani— a fellow Swahili boys' name
Imani— a companion Swahili virtue name
Amoni— another Swahili name
Amani— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Akili

By themeunisexswahilivirtue-name
By meaningWisdom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Akili mean?

Akili is Swahili for 'wisdom; intelligence; the mind/reason'; used for both sexes; here for a boy.

How do you pronounce Akili?

It's said ah-KEE-lee /ɑˈki.li/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Akili a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Akili?

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

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