Enkidu is a rare and unique given name of Akkadian origin, first appearing in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literature. The name Enkidu has been interpreted to mean "lord of the steppe" or "he who created himself." In the epic, Enkidu is a wild man created by the gods from clay and the flesh of animals to challenge the hero-king Gilgamesh.
Enkidu was raised among the beasts of the wilderness, but he eventually learns to walk like a human and joins society. He becomes the best friend and comrade-in-arms of Gilgamesh, with whom he undertakes many heroic deeds. Together, they slay the monstrous Humbaba and fight against the Bull of Heaven.
The name Enkidu has gained popularity beyond its Akkadian origins, appearing in various forms and spellings around the world. Despite its rarity, it has been used by families drawn to its unique sound and historical significance. Today, the name Enkidu continues to evoke images of ancient heroes, courage, and friendship.
Enkidu is a unique name that has seen some popularity in the United States in recent years, but it remains quite rare overall. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only five babies named Enkidu born in the United States during the year 2022.
It's worth noting that this number represents just a tiny fraction of the estimated four million births that occur annually in the country. In fact, Enkidu ranked as the 37,138th most popular boy's name in the U.S. last year, which underscores its rarity among American parents' choices.
Despite being relatively uncommon, it seems that some families have chosen to give their sons this distinctive name in recent years. For instance, there were also five babies named Enkidu born in the United States during each of the two preceding years: 2021 and 2020.
It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes over time. Will more parents opt for the name Enkidu for their newborn sons? Or will it remain a rare choice, favored by only a handful of families each year? Only time will tell how common—or uncommon—the name Enkidu becomes in future years.