Makena means happy one — from the Kikuyu language of Kenya. Makena Beach in Maui is one of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches. The name bridges East African joy and Pacific Island beauty through three syllables that sound like waves arriving at a Kenyan shore and a Hawaiian sunset simultaneously.
Makena comes from the Kikuyu language of Kenya meaning happy one. Makena Beach in Maui, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The name bridges East African and Pacific Island cultures through the most joyful possible meaning.
2
First recorded
Earliest known use: Traditional Kikuyu name; Makena Beach is in Maui, Hawaii.
3
Today
Makena remains a beloved choice, ranking #1540 in the US. 6,587 babies have been named Makena since 1984.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, SSA data
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How popular is Makena?
2005peak year
The name Makena reached its peak in 2005, with 381 registrations (ranked #718). It first surfaced in U.S. records in 1984, roughly 21 years before its peak. Since the peak, the name has eased to well outside the top 1,000 (around #1540) today, averaging about 154 new babies per year. Makena has been declining in recent years. Across all years on record, approximately 6,587 American babies have carried this name.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
Makena's Life Path 3 is the communicator's number — communicating happiness. People named Makena tend to be joyful, warm, and gifted at making every space feel like a beach at sunset.
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