Akiva Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Akiva has Hebrew origins, meaning 'heel'. It evolved from the ancient form Aqiba to the modern Akiva. It is linked to the influential Rabbi Akiva, symbolizing wisdom and scholarship, with no direct biblical references aside from its historical figure. The name has seen significant usage among Jewish communities and is perceived positively today.
The name Akiva is most popular in New Jersey, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Akiva has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Akiva' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3307th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2756th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2090th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1629th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 17350th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 19434th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14799th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18485th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Akiva' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Akiva"
Pronunciation
/əˈkiːvə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Akiva is derived from the Hebrew root 'akev', which means 'heel' or 'to follow'. It has biblical associations, particularly with the figure of Rabbi Akiva, a prominent scholar in the early centuries of Jewish history.
Meaning
heel
Language Evolution
Aqiba (Ancient Hebrew), Akiva (Modern Hebrew)
Biblical Background
Rabbi Akiva is a significant figure in Jewish history, known for his contributions to the Torah and the development of Jewish law.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity among Jewish communities, especially during the medieval period, and remains a common name in modern times.
Variants & Derivatives
Aqiva, Akivah, Kiva
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Akiva is viewed positively within Jewish culture, often associated with wisdom and scholarship.
Famous People
Rabbi Akiva ben Joseph, Akiva Goldsman
Explore More Akiva Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Akiva"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Akiva"
"Akiva" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3307th of 10718 | 153 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2756th of 16616 | 353 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2090th of 24088 | 942 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1629th of 23106 | 1,215 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 17350th of 19264 | 8 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 19434th of 27321 | 19 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14799th of 35406 | 79 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 18485th of 30306 | 32 |
Regional Popularity of "Akiva" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
33.28% 1159th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
21.72% 972nd/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
14.29% 738th/5164 |
40.50% 2962nd/7313 |
43.13% 3219th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
69.30% 2761st/3984 |
12.57% 564th/4487 |
37.60% 2565th/6822 |
34.26% 2150th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Akiva" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Akiva"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Akiva" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.