Rising since 1998, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Makani since 1996
Babies named Makani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0 | 9 |
| 2000s | 23 | 123 |
| 2010s | 35 | 119 |
| 2020s | 87 | 120 |
Meaning & origin
Makani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'wind,' first recorded in the United States in 1996. It saw a surge in popularity after 2010, rising steadily to its peak rank in 2022. By 2025, it ranked 5,861 with a 1-in-113,872 frequency. While not yet appearing in any top state lists, its gentle rise and cross-cultural appeal make it a distinctive nature-inspired choice. The unisex usage adds to its modern flexibility.
Makani comes directly from the Hawaiian word for 'wind'. It is a nature-inspired name that has seen modern use in the United States, particularly gaining popularity after 2000. The name reflects the Hawaiian cultural reverence for natural elements.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maka, Kani
Sibling names for Makani
Names that share Makani's style, for a brother or sister.
