Makeda

Meaning & origin

Makeda, the legendary Ethiopian name of the Queen of Sheba, is a rare but culturally resonant choice in the United States. First recorded on birth certificates in 1968, the name saw its peak popularity in 1985, a time of growing interest in African heritage and biblical names from outside the usual canon. Since 1986, however, its usage has fallen steadily; in 2025 it ranked #7133, with only about 1 in every 107,151 newborns receiving the name. While it has never been widely used and does not appear in any state's top-name lists, Makeda carries a distinct gravitas through its connection to the Solomonic legend and Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. Its ongoing, if modest, use reflects a durable appeal among families who prize historical depth and a name that stands apart from the mainstream.

Makeda is the traditional Ethiopian name for the Queen of Sheba, who appears in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Quran. In Ethiopian tradition, she is called Makeda (or Nigist Makeda), and her son Menelik I, fathered by King Solomon, is said to have founded the Solomonic dynasty. The name's meaning is uncertain but is often glossed as 'greatness' in Ge'ez. It is also sometimes interpreted as 'pillow' or 'bright'. The name remains a culturally significant choice for families of Ethiopian heritage and is occasionally used elsewhere as a distinctive biblical-style name.