Rising since 1991, #481 for boys today.
Popularity of Makai since 1989
Babies named Makai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 145 |
| 2000s | 1,807 |
| 2010s | 3,921 |
| 2020s | 3,420 |
Meaning & origin
Makai entered the U.S. Social Security data in 1989 and has been steadily climbing since 1991, reaching its peak rank of 481 in 2025. The name's Hawaiian origin ('toward the sea') evokes a strong sense of place and nature. It is most popular in Hawaii, Mississippi, and Alabama, reflecting both its cultural roots and its adoption in mainland states. The trajectory is rising, showing sustained growth over three decades.
Makai is a Hawaiian word meaning 'toward the sea' (ma- 'toward' + kai 'sea'). It is also used as a given name, often as a short form of longer Hawaiian names like Makaiwi ('branch, vine') or Kaimakai. The name has seen use outside Hawaii since the late 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of adopting Hawaiian vocabulary as personal names.
Where Makai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kai
Sibling names for Makai
Names that share Makai's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Leilani, Kai, Nalani, Moana, Haley, Jalaya, Kaylani, Malani, Kaelani, Kahlani, Kalena, Makia, Ajanae, Calani, Dalani, Jakiah, Kaloni, Kaniah, Keani, Keilana, Keilany, Kemani, Kemiyah, Lanai, Leilana, Leiloni, Makalah, Makaya, Naryah, Nizhoni, Ulani, Halona, Kaiana, Kamayah, Keimani, Kilani, Lailany, Lehlani, Leilanny, Mahlani, Mailani, Makalia, Makila, Malaiyah, Maleaha, Maylani, Mialani, Naelani, Nalanie, Nyaira, Kelahni, Mekia, Ailanie, Ailanni, Akaiya, Ashyia, Cahlani, Daelani, Halani, Healani, Javayah, Jayloni, Jolani, Jonai, Kailanie, Kailanni, Kailena, Kalahni, Kalanii, Kalany, Karmani, Kelany, Kenniyah, Khailani, Khaylani, Lailanie, Leialoha, Maleeah, Milahni, Nahlani, Nalany, Nalea, Naturi, Taylani, Taziyah, Yeilani, Yulani
Brothers: Koa, Keanu, Kāne, Kai, Lono, Takoda, Makhi, Alakai, Jakhari, Kanai, Keola, Keone, Jmari, Kaikoa, Kaimani, Kamilo, Kapono, Makale, Makhari, Jacquees, Aleki, Alikai, Aukai, Avantae, Denahi, Jaevian, Keawe, Laakea, Nakari, Shakai, Zhyon
