What does Makena mean and where does it come from?
Makena is a name of Hawaiian origin that literally means 'abundance' or 'plentiful'. It is associated with the Makena Beach on the island of Maui and symbolizes positivity and abundance in life. The name has been increasingly adopted in the United States, especially in areas with significant Hawaiia
Cultural significance
Makena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the abundance, plenteousness.
Peak popularity
Reached #719 in 2005 — currently #2740 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Makena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Makena?
Makena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Makena Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Makena Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Makena Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Makena Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Makena Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Makena Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Makena right now?
Falling — down 715 spots — currently #2740 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2740 | 63 | ▼ down 715 · -35% births |
| 2024 | #2025 | 97 | ▼ down 269 · -78% births |
| 2023 | #1756 | 444 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1761 | 424 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1766 | 394 | ▼ down 57 · +234% births |
| 2020 | #1709 | 118 | ▼ down 583 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #1126 | 226 | ▼ down 226 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #900 | 294 | ▼ down 181 · -23% births |
| 2005 | #719 | 380 | ▲ up 325 · +89% births |
| 2000 | #1044 | 201 | ▲ up 980 · +196% births |
| 1995 | #2024 | 68 | ▲ up 4788 · +423% births |
| 1990 | #6812 | 13 | ▲ up 2384 · +86% births |
| 1985 | #9196 | 7 | — |
The story of Makena
Makena is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1984. With 6,143 total births recorded, Makena remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9196 in 1985 to #1756 in 2023. Makena is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Makena in 2005:
Makena by decade
Makena peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 53 | |
| 1990s | 790 | |
| 2000s ★ | 2,961 | |
| 2010s | 2,221 | |
| 2020s | 278 | |
💎With 6,143 total births, Makena is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Makena?
What names sound and feel like Makena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Makena also consider these
Common questions about the name Makena
What does the name Makena mean?
Makena means "The abundance, plenteousness" — 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 Makena?
Makena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Makena?
Makena 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 Makena?
Makena is a three-syllable name pronounced MAK-EN-uh. 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 Makena?
Makena 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.