Find out how popular the first name Makena has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Makena by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Makena is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Makena being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 115 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Makena.

The history of the first name Makena

The name Makena has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is believed to have emerged during the late 18th or early 19th century in the Hawaiian Islands. The name is derived from the Hawaiian word "makena," which means "abundance" or "plenty."

In ancient Hawaiian mythology, Makena was the name of a goddess associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity. She was revered by the Hawaiian people as a symbol of bountiful harvests and a prosperous way of life. The name Makena was often given to newborn girls as a way to invoke the goddess's blessings and ensure a life of abundance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Makena dates back to the early 19th century, when a Hawaiian chief named his daughter Makena. This chief was known for his leadership during a time of great abundance and prosperity in his community, and he chose the name as a reflection of his gratitude and hope for his daughter's future.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Makena. One such person was Makena Kapiolani (1834-1899), a Hawaiian princess and member of the royal family. She played a significant role in the transition of Hawaii from a traditional monarchy to a modern constitutional government.

Another famous Makena was Makena Kahanamoku (1890-1965), a Hawaiian swimmer and surfer who is often credited with popularizing the sport of surfing globally. He won multiple Olympic medals and was a prominent figure in the early days of competitive swimming.

In the realm of literature, Makena Lani was a notable Hawaiian author and poet who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her works captured the essence of Hawaiian culture and traditions, and she was celebrated for her ability to weave rich imagery and emotion into her writing.

Makena Kealiinohomoku was a renowned Hawaiian hula dancer and choreographer who lived from 1900 to 1985. She played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the traditional hula dance form, and her contributions to the art were widely recognized both in Hawaii and internationally.

Finally, Makena Kaulukou (1923-2001) was a respected Hawaiian activist and advocate for indigenous rights. She dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people, and her efforts played a significant role in the Hawaiian Renaissance movement of the late 20th century.

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

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

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