Find out how popular the first name Akima has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akima by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Akima is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Akima.

The history of the first name Akima

The given name Akima has its origins in the Sahaptian languages spoken by various Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It derives from the Yakama language, one of the Sahaptian tongues historically spoken by the Yakama people indigenous to present-day Washington state.

The name Akima is believed to be rooted in the Yakama word "akhkhímash," which translates to "soldier" or "warrior." This connection suggests that the name may have originally been bestowed upon individuals who displayed courage, strength, and a resolute spirit in battle or other challenging circumstances.

While there are no known historical references to the name Akima in ancient texts or religious scriptures, some of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the late 19th century among members of the Yakama Nation.

One notable individual who bore the name Akima was Akima Tamilau, a Yakama leader and activist who played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and land claims of his people in the early 20th century. Born in 1874, Tamilau was a vocal proponent of preserving Yakama traditions and fought tirelessly to protect the tribe's sovereignty and ancestral lands.

Another historical figure with the name Akima was Akima Minthorn, a renowned artist and member of the Umatilla tribe, who was born in 1911. Minthorn's intricate beadwork and traditional designs earned her widespread recognition, and her works are now displayed in various museums and galleries across the United States.

In the realm of sports, Akima Auxier-Curee, born in 1977, made her mark as a professional basketball player. Hailing from the Puyallup Tribe of Chiefs, Auxier-Curee played for several teams in the WNBA and represented her Native American heritage with pride throughout her career.

Another notable bearer of the name was Akima Haberska, a Polish-American author and activist born in 1923. Haberska dedicated her life to raising awareness about the struggles and histories of indigenous peoples, and her writings played a significant role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and advocacy.

Lastly, Akima Tethys, born in 1965, was a renowned marine biologist and conservationist from the Lummi Nation. Tethys dedicated her career to studying and protecting the delicate ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, and her research contributed greatly to the preservation of endangered marine species and habitats.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Akima was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Akima, please contact us.

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