Nakia

♀ Girl

Pronounced nah-KEE-ah /nɑˈki.ə/Medium

Meaning: Variously from Arabic naqiyy, 'pure; clean; faithful', and a modern African-American name; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Pure; faithful: Nakia is Arabic. Lyrical, modern, and warm (said 'nah-KEE-ah').

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Origin LowArabic, American

MeaningVariously from Arabic naqiyy, 'pure; clean; faithful', and a modern African-American name; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#11617 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1974

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,738

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

Nakia comes variously from Arabic naqiyy, 'pure; clean; faithful', and from a modern African-American name (routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, modern name used here for a girl (said 'nah-KEE-ah').

In the U.S. it appears in African-American and Muslim families. Rare, pure-and-faithful at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Nakia is variously from Arabic naqiyy, 'pure; clean; faithful', and a modern African-American name — a lyrical, modern name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'nah-KEE-ah').

Overall data confidence 38%

References — Nakia — routes layered

Variations

NakeaNakiyaNakiah

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Nakia…

Nakiya— a kin spelling

Nalia— shares Nakia's American roots

Navia— lands in the same popularity range

Nyasia— lands in the same popularity range

Naleia— a fellow American choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nakia mean?

Nakia is variously Arabic 'pure; clean; faithful' and a modern African-American name; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Nakia?

It's said nah-KEE-ah /nɑˈki.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Nakia a boy or girl name?

Nakia is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Nakia?

Nakia is a rare name in the U.S.