Find out how popular the first name Maka has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Maka by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Maka is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Maka.

The history of the first name Maka

The name Maka is believed to have originated from the Māori language, spoken by the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand. The name likely emerged during the early centuries of Māori settlement on the islands, which began around the 13th century AD.

In the Māori tongue, 'maka' is a verb meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast'. It is possible that the name was initially given to children born during times of conflict or war, representing the act of throwing spears or other weapons. Alternatively, it may have been a name bestowed upon skilled hunters or warriors known for their skill in throwing hunting tools or weapons.

While the exact origins of the name Maka remain uncertain, it is clear that the name has deep roots in the rich cultural traditions of the Māori people. Some scholars have speculated that the name may be connected to ancient Māori myths or legends, though no definitive historical records have been found to substantiate this theory.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Maka can be found in the genealogical records of the Ngāti Whātua iwi (tribe) of Auckland, New Zealand. These records mention a prominent chief named Maka Tuatara, who lived in the late 16th century and played a significant role in the tribe's history.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Maka. One example is Maka Pamarea (c. 1770 – c. 1830), a Tahitian navigator and explorer who accompanied Europeans on voyages across the Pacific Ocean in the early 19th century. Another is Maka Fou (1892 – 1976), a Samoan artist and woodcarver renowned for his intricate and traditional sculptural works.

In the realm of sports, Maka Vatuvei (born 1986) is a former professional rugby league player from New Zealand who represented his country in international competitions and played for several high-profile clubs. Additionally, Maka Unufe (born 1963) is a former New Zealand rugby union player who earned over 50 caps for the national team during his career.

While the name Maka may not be as widely known or popular as some other names, it carries a rich cultural heritage and has been borne by individuals of historical significance, particularly within the Māori and broader Polynesian communities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Maka was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Maka, please contact us.

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