Find out how popular the first name Makai has been for the last 35 years (from 1989 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Makai by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Makai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Makai being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 608 male babies and 11 female babies born with the name Makai.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 11 baby girls were named Makai in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Makai

The name Makai has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is a relatively modern name, first appearing in the late 19th century during the Hawaiian Renaissance period, which saw a revival of interest in traditional Hawaiian culture and language.

Makai is derived from the Hawaiian word "kai," which means "sea" or "ocean." The prefix "ma" is a locative particle indicating a location or direction. Together, the name Makai can be translated to mean "towards the sea" or "by the sea."

While the name itself does not have a long recorded history, its connection to the ocean and the Hawaiian islands is significant. The sea has played a crucial role in the life and culture of the Hawaiian people, serving as a source of sustenance, transportation, and spiritual significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Makai can be found in the Hawaiian language newspaper "Ka Nupepa Kuokoa" in 1895, where it was used as a given name. However, the name did not gain widespread popularity until the 20th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Makai. One such person was Makai Locher (1892-1976), a Hawaiian hula dancer and teacher who played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian dance.

Another notable figure was Makai Mangauill (1904-1979), a Hawaiian musician and composer known for his contributions to the development of Hawaiian slack key guitar and other traditional Hawaiian music styles.

In the realm of sports, Makai Borden (born 1987) is a professional surfer from Hawaii who has competed on the World Surf League Championship Tour.

Makai Mason (born 1995) is a professional basketball player who played for Yale University before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Lastly, Makai Hart (born 1999) is a Hawaiian actor and musician who has appeared in various television shows and films, including "Hawaii Five-0" and "Aloha Surf Hotel."

These individuals, spanning different eras and fields, exemplify the connection between the name Makai and the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian islands, as well as its increasing popularity in modern times.

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 Makai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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