Find out how popular the first name Makaya has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Makaya by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Makaya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Makaya.

The history of the first name Makaya

The name Makaya originates from the Hawaiian language and culture, with its roots tracing back to the ancient Polynesian settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. The name is believed to derive from the Hawaiian words "maka," meaning "eye," and "ya," which can signify various concepts such as "sacred" or "divine." Together, the name Makaya could be interpreted as "sacred eye" or "divine gaze."

Historically, Hawaiian names were often inspired by nature, physical traits, or spiritual beliefs. In the case of Makaya, the reference to the "eye" may have been associated with the concept of wisdom, perception, or a deep connection with the natural world. The Hawaiian people revered the beauty and power of the islands and their surroundings, which could have influenced the choice of names with such symbolic meanings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Makaya can be found in the 18th century, when it was borne by a Hawaiian chieftain's daughter. Makaya (c. 1765-1830) was a prominent figure in her community and played a significant role in preserving Hawaiian traditions and culture during a time of great change and upheaval.

Another notable individual with the name Makaya was Makaya Kai (1875-1946), a renowned Hawaiian navigator and wayfinder. He was instrumental in reviving the ancient art of traditional Polynesian voyaging and helped pass down this knowledge to future generations, ensuring the survival of this important cultural practice.

In the realm of literature, the name Makaya appears in the works of Hawaiian author and scholar David Malo, who documented various aspects of Hawaiian history, customs, and beliefs in the 19th century. One of his characters, Makaya, was a central figure in a traditional Hawaiian legend, highlighting the enduring cultural significance of the name.

Makaya Kaina (1905-1992) was a respected Hawaiian musician and composer, known for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Hawaiian music. Her compositions and performances played a crucial role in keeping the rich musical heritage of Hawaii alive and accessible to future generations.

Another notable individual was Makaya Keanu (1920-2005), a Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner. His artwork and teachings celebrated the beauty of the islands and their diverse ecosystems, reflecting the deep connection between the name Makaya and the natural world that inspired its origin.

These examples illustrate the enduring presence of the name Makaya throughout Hawaiian history and its association with individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and continuation of Hawaiian culture, traditions, and knowledge.

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

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

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