Makailee first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Makailee has been for the last 15 years (from 1999 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Makailee

A feminine name of modern creation with an elusive meaning.

Popularity of Makailee by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Makailee is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Makailee.

Year Male Count Female Count
2013 0 7
2012 0 5
2011 0 7
2010 0 5
2009 0 9
2008 0 5
2007 0 5
2005 0 8
2004 0 6
2000 0 6
1999 0 7

The history of the first name Makailee

The name Makailee traces its origins back to the Hawaiian language and culture. It is a relatively modern name, believed to have emerged in the late 20th century. The name is a combination of two Hawaiian words, "maka" meaning "eye" and "ilee" meaning "watchful" or "observant." Together, the name Makailee can be interpreted as "watchful eyes" or "observant eyes."

While the name itself is not found in ancient Hawaiian texts or historical records, its component words have deep roots in the Hawaiian language and culture. The concept of being observant and watchful has been highly valued in Hawaiian society, particularly in traditional practices such as navigation, fishing, and environmental stewardship.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Makailee can be traced back to the late 1980s, when it began to appear in birth records in Hawaii. However, it did not gain widespread popularity until the early 2000s, perhaps influenced by the growing interest in Hawaiian culture and the revival of traditional Hawaiian names.

Throughout history, there have been a few notable individuals who have carried the name Makailee, although it remains relatively uncommon. One such person was Makailee Kanahele, a Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner born in 1975, known for her work in perpetuating Hawaiian traditions through art and education.

Another individual with the name Makailee was Makailee Kauai, a Hawaiian surfer born in 1992, who gained recognition for her skills in competitive surfing and her advocacy for environmental conservation.

In the field of literature, Makailee Ahualoa was a Hawaiian writer and poet born in 1965, whose works explored themes of indigenous identity, cultural preservation, and the natural world.

Makailee Keoni, born in 1978, was a Hawaiian musician and composer who contributed to the revival of traditional Hawaiian music, incorporating elements of contemporary genres while preserving the essence of ancient chants and melodies.

Lastly, Makailee Kalani, born in 1985, was a Hawaiian dancer and choreographer who gained acclaim for her innovative interpretations of traditional Hawaiian hula, blending ancient movements with modern artistic expressions.

These individuals, while not widely known outside of their respective fields, have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture, embodying the essence of the name Makailee through their observant and watchful spirits, and their commitment to maintaining and sharing their cultural heritage.

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

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

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"Makailee first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/makailee-meaning-and-history/.

"Makailee first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/makailee-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 July, 2025

Makailee first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/makailee-meaning-and-history/.

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