Akiva

Meaning: To follow, to protect
Origin: Aramaic/Hebrew — From Aramaic ʿAqiva, kin of Jacob (Yaʿaqov)

Boy's name · #1466 in the US (2025) · Trending

Popularity over time

Akiva is climbing: on the charts since 1961, it is ranked #1466 in 2025, with about 120 boys given the name last year. Roughly 2,800 have carried it all-time.

Across the states

In recent years, Akiva ran 7–10× its national rate in New Jersey and New York.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 6 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Akiva ranks in other countries and regions.

#1,900 in England & Wales (2025) · #2,565 in Canada (2024).

Famous Akivas

Akiva ben Joseph — Jewish scholar and sage (c. 50–c. 135)
Akiva Goldsman — American film producer
Akiva Schaffer — American comedy writer, actor and film director
Akiva Eger Jr. — German rabbi (1761–1837)
Akiva Yaglom — Russian mathematician (1921–2007)

What Akivas become

Among 32 notable people named Akiva:

Artists & writers appear 2× more often than among typical names — e.g. Akiva Schaffer, American comedy writer, actor and film director.

Similar names: Noam · Akyris · Micaiah · Simcha · Axl · Haziel

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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