Akiva
Fact sheet
- Name
- Akiva
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 3
Akiva represents a modern Hebrew spelling of Jacob, which traces back to the ancient Hebrew name Ya'aqov (יַעֲקֹב). The name carries the meanings 'May Yahweh protect' as well as folk-etymologically 'the heel holder', 'the supplanter', 'the deceiver', and 'the trickster'.
What does the name Akiva mean?
Akiva is a modern Hebrew variant of Jacob, which traces back to the ancient Hebrew name Ya'aqov (יַעֲקֹב). Its meanings include both 'May Yahweh protect' and folk-etymologically 'the heel holder', 'the supplanter', 'the deceiver', and 'the trickster'. The etymology can be traced to two ancient Hebrew elements: Ya (יַ), meaning 'the name of God', and akáv (עָקַב), meaning 'to supplant, to follow, to deceive, to outwit' or akév (עָקֵב) for 'the heel'. In the Old Testament, Jacob is the son of Isaac and the father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Other variants include Akiba, Hamish, Sheamus, Shamus, Jakobus, Jacoby, Jacobo, Jacobus, Jacques, Jakab, Jacquel, Jaquan, Thiago, and Tiago.
Where does the name Akiva come from?
Akiva is a masculine first name of ancient Hebrew origin that carries the meaning 'May Yahweh protect'. The name is composed of the ancient Hebrew components Ya (יַ) = the name of God and akáv (עָקַב) = to supplant, to follow, to deceive, to outwit or akév (עָקֵב) = the heel. The language of the name is Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Akiva?
The sound and pronunciation of Akiva: The name Akiva consists of three syllables and has a gentle structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually rendered as 'A-ki-va' [aˈkiː.va], starting with an open A sound and unfolding over bright syllables. The soft '-va' at the end provides a gentle conclusion. These characteristics give Akiva a friendly, harmonious, and slightly elegant impression - flowing, warm, and balanced.
When is the name day of Akiva?
The name day for Akiva is celebrated on July 25.
Popularity
In Germany, Akiva is among the less common first names. Currently, it ranks 5,840th on the list of the most popular male baby names. Its best ranking was in 2009, when it reached 1,979th place. Over the last ten years, Akiva has been chosen as a first name approximately 20 times, placing it 5,320th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 5,827th.
Nicknames & pet names
Kiva / Kive
Famous people
- Akiva Shtisel (character in the Netflix series 'Shtisel')
Frequently asked questions about the name Akiva
What is the origin of the name Akiva?
Akiva is a masculine first name of Hebrew origin and derives from the ancient Hebrew name Ya'aqov.
What does the name Akiva mean?
The meaning of Akiva includes 'May Yahweh protect' as well as folk-etymologically 'the heel holder' or 'the supplanter'.
How popular is the name Akiva?
Akiva has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in Jewish communities and among parents looking for modern Hebrew names.