The village was first mentioned in 1315 as Ackrom. The etymology is unclear.[4] Akkrum started as a terp (artificial living mound) village, and developed into a linear settlement which served as the regional centre. It started to grow when the main road Leeuwarden-Zwolle and later a railway line were built next to Akkrum. The Dutch Reformed church was built in 1759 as a replacement of a medieval church. The tower dates from 1882.[5] In 1840, Akkrum was home to 1,121 people.[6]
The polder mill Mellemolen was built in 1849 to drain excess water from the Polslootpolder. In 1972, the mill was toppled in a storm, and restored in 1976. The mill was surrounded by industry and it was moved two kilometers in 2003 to 2004. It only operates on a voluntary basis.[7]
Before 2014, Akkrum was part of the Boarnsterhim municipality and before 1984 it was part of Utingeradeel.[6]