Rakim

Rakim is a masculine name with Arabic origins, derived from 'rahim' meaning 'merciful' or 'compassionate.' The name gained notable recognition in the United States during the late 1980s and 1990s, likely influenced by the popularity of the hip-hop artist Rakim (William Michael Griffin Jr.), half of the influential duo Eric B. & Rakim. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'h' represents a distinctive Americanized variant of the traditional Arabic name. While relatively uncommon as a given name, Rakim has maintained consistent usage since its introduction into American naming patterns. The name carries connotations of kindness and benevolence, reflecting its etymological roots in Islamic tradition where Al-Rahim is one of the 99 names of Allah.

Pronounced RAH-keem.

As of October 2026, Rakim ranked #6719 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1141 in 1992.