What does Makaii mean and where does it come from?
Makaii is a Hawaiian name meaning 'toward the sea' or 'the sea'. The term 'makai' is used in conjunction with directions, referring to a location close to the ocean. It is a nature-inspired name that conveys a connection to the island's maritime heritage. The name is celebrated among Hawaiian famili
Cultural significance
Makaii has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hawaiian.
Peak popularity
Reached #8098 in 2019 — currently #13198 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Makaii?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Makaii?
Makaii works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Makaii Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Makaii John
One syllable · timeless choice
Makaii Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Makaii Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Makaii Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Makaii Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Makaii right now?
Falling — down 5636 spots — currently #13198 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #13198 | 5 | ▼ down 5636 · -55% births |
| 2023 | #7562 | 11 | ▲ up 6033 · +120% births |
| 2022 | #13595 | 5 | ▼ down 246 |
| 2021 | #13349 | 5 | ▼ down 1830 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #11519 | 6 | — |
The story of Makaii
Makaii is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2009. With 29 total births recorded, Makaii remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11519 in 2020 to #7562 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Makaii in 2019:
💎Makaii has only 29 total recorded births since 2009 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Makaii?
What names sound and feel like Makaii?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Makaii also consider these
Common questions about the name Makaii
What does the name Makaii mean?
Makaii means "Hawaiian" — a name rooted in Hawaii tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Makaii?
Makaii is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Makaii have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Makaii?
Makaii originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Makaii trending right now?
Makaii is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Makaii a common or rare name?
Makaii is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.