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Akiva
Pronounced ah-KEE-vuh /ɑ.ˈki.və/Medium
Meaning: An Aramaic form related to the Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob), variously interpreted as "to protect/shelter" or "heel, supplanter"; borne by the famed 1st-century sage Rabbi Akiva.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
Akiva is the Aramaic relative of Yaakov, the Hebrew form of Jacob, and its meaning is interpreted in more than one way, from sheltering and protecting to the older 'heel' or 'supplanter' sense tied to Jacob. Its great bearer was the first-century sage Rabbi Akiva, one of the foundational figures of Jewish learning. That association has carried the name through Jewish tradition for nearly two thousand years.
It sits within a wide family of related forms, including Akiba, the Hebrew Yaakov, and the Arabic Yacoub and Yakub, all branches of the same ancient name. The scholarly weight of Rabbi Akiva gives it a learned, dignified character.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Akiva Goldsman (born 1962)American screenwriter and producer who won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for A Beautiful Mind. He has written and produced numerous Hollywood films and TV series.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Akiva mean?
Akiva is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with Hebrew tradition.
How do you pronounce Akiva?
It's commonly said ah-KEE-vuh /ɑ.ˈki.və/.
Is Akiva a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Akiva is used as a boy name.
How popular is Akiva?
In 2024, Akiva ranked #1518 in the U.S. for boys, with 116 births recorded.