Rabbi Akiva had children after his 24-year period of Torah study abroad, likely when he was in his mid-60s or later, following his return with 24,000 disciples.12

Traditional accounts state that Akiva married Rachel (daughter of the wealthy Ben Kalba Sabua) around age 40, after which he left shortly for study, postponing the mitzvah of pru u’rvu (procreation).12 He returned after 24 years (around age 64), heard Rachel's wish for another 12 years of study, departed again, and came back after 36 total years away (around age 76), at which point he had children.1 Sources note two sons who died young during Akiva's lifetime (one named Rabbi Shimon)156 and a daughter betrothed to Ben Azzai, his colleague.1

Some traditions speculate prior children from a previous marriage to explain Rachel bearing three at advanced age post-return, though primary narratives tie births to after his studies.1 Timelines vary slightly across Talmudic sources (e.g., Ketubot 62b–63a, Moed Katan 21b), with Akiva's overall lifespan circa 50–135 CE making late fatherhood consistent.2 No exact birth dates for the children are recorded.5