Akili

“intelligence or cleverness”

Swahili-speaking countries origin · Unisex name

♂ 64% boys♀ 36% girls

#12302US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

673All-time births

📅 Since 199200

How to pronounce Akili

AH·kee·LEE

/ˈɑ.kiː.ˈliː/ · stress on AH · 3 syllables

“intelligence or cleverness”

Swahili-speaking countries origin · Unisex name

What does Akili mean and where does it come from?

Akili is a Swahili name that means 'intelligence' or 'cleverness'. It is predominantly used in Swahili-speaking regions such as East Africa and has gained popularity in the United States among parents seeking meaningful names that convey intelligence and wisdom. The name speaks to the values placed

Cultural significance

Akili has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of intelligence or cleverness.

Peak popularity

Reached #6638 in 2000 — currently #12302 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Akili?

Akili works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Akili Grace

How popular is Akili right now?

Falling — down 3298 spots — currently #12302 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#12302 · Top 9.1%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12302	5	▼ down 3298 · -37% births
2022	#9004	8	▲ up 2483 · -11% births
2010	#11487	9	▲ up 1901 · +29% births
2005	#13388	7	▼ down 6750 · -56% births
2000	#6638	16	▲ up 7466 · +220% births
1995	#14104	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Akili

Best Year2000Rank #6638

Peak Count16

Average Rank#11154

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20236 years

The story of Akili

Akili is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1992. With 673 total births recorded, Akili remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14104 in 1995 to #12302 in 2023. Akili is used for both genders: 36% female and 64% male.

Names that peaked alongside Akili in 2000:

Emily Hannah Madison Ashley Sarah

Akili by decade

Akili peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	90
1980s	43
1990s	191
2000s ★	217
2010s	123
2020s	9

💎Akili has only 673 total recorded births since 1992 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Akili?

Common

AkiAkAkieAky

What names sound and feel like Akili?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Akili also consider these

Akimi

Japan · bright beauty

Akali

India · a timeless one,

Akyli

Western Africa · Yoruba

Akila

Arabic · Arabic

Aili

Finland · bringer of light

Akil

Arabic · intelligent, wise

Kamili

Swahili-speaking regions · Meaning 'perfect' or

Laili

Persian · Night

Common questions about the name Akili

What does the name Akili mean?

Akili means "intelligence or cleverness" — a name rooted in Swahili-speaking countries tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Akili?

Akili is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Akili?

Akili originates from Swahili-speaking countries tradition. Swahili-speaking countries names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Akili?

Akili is a three-syllable name pronounced AA1 K IY0 L IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Akili?

Akili pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili-speaking countries heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.