Find out how popular the first name Makonnen has been for the last 21 years (from 1999 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Makonnen by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Makonnen is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Makonnen.

The history of the first name Makonnen

Makonnen is a given name of Ethiopian origin, derived from the Amharic word "makunan," meaning "consoler" or "comforter." The name is rooted in the ancient Semitic language of Ge'ez, which was spoken in the region that is now modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The name Makonnen has a rich historical significance in Ethiopian culture. It is believed to have been used as early as the 13th century, during the Solomonic Dynasty of Ethiopia. Many notable figures in Ethiopian history bore this name, including several emperors and princes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Makonnen is found in the Kebra Nagast, a 14th-century literary work that recounts the origins of the Solomonic Dynasty. In this text, the name is associated with a legendary figure who played a pivotal role in the founding of the dynasty.

Among the most famous historical figures with the name Makonnen is Ras Makonnen Wolde Mikael (1852-1906), a powerful nobleman and military leader during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. He was instrumental in modernizing the Ethiopian army and defending the country against Italian colonization efforts.

Another prominent figure bearing the name was Lij Iyasu Makonnen (1887-1935), who briefly ruled as the designated heir to the Ethiopian throne from 1913 to 1916. His reign was marked by controversy and ultimately ended in his dethronement.

In the early 20th century, Dejazmatch Makonnen Habte-Wold (1890-1962) was a distinguished diplomat and politician who served as the first Ethiopian ambassador to the United Kingdom and later as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The name Makonnen also gained international recognition through the life of Emperor Haile Selassie I (1892-1975), whose full name was Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael. As the last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie played a significant role in the country's history and is revered by members of the Rastafarian faith.

These are just a few examples of the many notable figures throughout history who have borne the name Makonnen, a name deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region.

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

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

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