Makana

“Gift”

Hawaii origin · Unisex name

♂ 61% boys♀ 39% girls

#5589US 2023

17Births / yr

↑Rising

722All-time births

📅 Since 199400

How to pronounce Makana

MAK·AH·nuh

/ˈmæk.ˈɑ.nə/ · stress on MAK · 3 syllables

“Gift”

Hawaii origin · Unisex name

What does Makana mean and where does it come from?

Makana is a name of Hawaiian origin, meaning 'gift'. It is often given to signify the gift of life or the blessings a child brings to their family. The name is used predominantly in Hawaiian culture and has grown in popularity in mainland U.S. as people seek to embrace unique and meaningful names. N

Cultural significance

Makana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift.

Peak popularity

Reached #6208 in 2003 — currently #5589 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Makana?

Makana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Makana Grace

How popular is Makana right now?

Rising fast — up 1106 spots — currently #5589 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#5589 · Top 4.1%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5589	17	▲ up 1106 · +31% births
2022	#6695	13	▼ down 149
2021	#6546	13	▲ up 5952 · +86% births
2020	#12498	7	▼ down 1301 · -22% births
2015	#11197	9	▼ down 1737 · -25% births
2010	#9460	12	▼ down 2441 · -29% births
2005	#7019	17	▲ up 5473 · +143% births
2000	#12492	7	▲ up 2140 · +40% births
1995	#14632	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Makana

Best Year2023Rank #5589

Peak Count17

Average Rank#9570

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Makana

Makana is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1994. With 722 total births recorded, Makana remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14632 in 1995 to #5589 in 2023. Makana is used for both genders: 39% female and 61% male.

Names that peaked alongside Makana in 2003:

Emily Emma Madison Hannah Olivia

Makana by decade

Makana peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	5
1990s	126
2000s ★	323
2010s	253
2020s	15

💎Makana has only 722 total recorded births since 1994 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Makana?

Common

MakMakieMakyAna

What names sound and feel like Makana?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Makana also consider these

Malana

Hawaii · Calm and peaceful

Makena

Hawaii · The abundance, plenteousness

Maiana

Hawaii · sea

Mahana

Hawaiian · to glow, bright,

Mayana

Israel · spring

Makanna

American · A modern name

Makyna

American · English

Maana

Sanskrit-speaking regions · Sanskrit

Common questions about the name Makana

What does the name Makana mean?

Makana means "Gift" — 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 Makana?

Makana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Makana have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Makana?

Makana 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.

How do you pronounce the name Makana?

Makana is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 K AA1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Makana?

Makana pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hawaii heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.