Is Nakia a boy's or girl's name?

Nakia is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 2,006 recorded births.

When was Nakia most popular?

Nakia reached its peak popularity in 1974 with 1,135 births that year. It is currently ranked #7824 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Nakia?

Nakia is currently ranked #7824 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 8,730 babies since 1973.

Nakia

An uncommon Arabic pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysArabicDeclining Also a pet name

#7824▼ 2609in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Nakia is a girl's and boy's baby name of Arabic origin, meaning 'pure' or 'faithful.' In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Nakia is the name of a Wakandan War Dog and love interest of the Black Panther — played by Lupita Nyong'o in the celebrated film. This association has given the name considerable visibility and a sense of strength, intelligence, and global mission.

For parents who loved Black Panther, Nakia carries the full weight of Wakanda's idealism. For those drawn to its Arabic roots, it carries purity and faithfulness — equally beautiful aspirations.

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Popularity Over Time

Nakia was #1779 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #7824, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Nakia
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	87	#7009	▼
2010s	250	#6193	▼
2000s	942	#2137	▼
1990s	1,742	#1077	▼
1980s	2,158	#828	▼
1970s	3,551	#1398	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(52 years, 1973–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Nakia
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	14	#7824	-11 (-44.0%)
2023	25	#5215	+7 (38.9%)
2022	18	#6631	+6 (50.0%)
2021	12	#8827	-6 (-33.3%)
2020	18	#6548	-11 (-37.9%)
2019	29	#4745	+1 (3.6%)
2018	28	#4854	+21 (300.0%)
2017	7	#13686	-14 (-66.7%)
2016	21	#6127	+5 (31.3%)
2015	16	#7504	-3 (-15.8%)
2014	19	#6632	-7 (-26.9%)
2013	26	#5262	-2 (-7.1%)
2012	28	#5073	-13 (-31.7%)
2011	41	#3769	+6 (17.1%)
2010	35	#4275	-14 (-28.6%)
2009	49	#3394	-31 (-38.8%)
2008	80	#2411	+18 (29.0%)
2007	62	#2912	-19 (-23.5%)
2006	81	#2339	-5 (-5.8%)
2005	86	#2154	-22 (-20.4%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Nakia as a Boy's Name

Though more common for girls, Nakia has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 2,006 births since 1974.

Unranked

Current rank

2,006

Total births

1974

Peak year

Compare Nakia as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Nakia be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Nakia is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #7824. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Nakia has two lives

Nakia, the baby name

#7824girls

8,730 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1973–2024) · Methodology