Makarios

Meaning & origin

Makarios is a Greek name meaning 'blessed,' drawn directly from the biblical language. In the United States, it has remained consistently rare since first appearing in data from 1974. Its peak usage came in 2014, though even then it never cracked widespread popularity. As of 2025, the name ranks 8,243rd, with an estimated 1 in 189,786 newborn boys receiving it. The trajectory has been stable, with no dramatic upswings or declines. Because the name carries strong religious associations, particularly within Greek Orthodox tradition, it has not been recorded in enough top states to identify regional clustering. Makarios remains a deeply meaningful but seldom-chosen name, appealing to parents seeking a direct spiritual connection.

Makarios is the Greek word μακάριος (makarios) meaning 'blessed' or 'happy.' It was used as a given name in early Christianity, most notably by Saint Makarios the Great, a 4th-century Egyptian monk and Desert Father. The name has been borne by several saints and is common in Greek Orthodox communities.