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Makena Girl

Popularity: #855 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: mah-KAY-nah /məˈkeɪnə/

Origin: Hawaiian

Meaning: abundance; happiness

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Makena has its roots in the Kikuyu language of Kenya, where it means "the happy one" or "the one who brings happiness." The Kikuyu people, who are the largest ethnic group in Kenya, have a rich cultural heritage, and names often carry significant meanings related to personal attributes or circumstances surrounding a child's birth. The name Makena reflects this tradition, emphasizing joy and positivity in its connotation.

Historically, the name Makena has been associated with various cultural narratives and practices within the Kikuyu community. The Kikuyu people have a long-standing oral tradition, and names like Makena are often featured in stories and proverbs that highlight virtues such as happiness and contentment.

The use of the name can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the Kikuyu began to engage more with colonial and missionary influences, leading to a greater awareness and documentation of their cultural practices, including naming conventions. Culturally, the name Makena resonates with themes of joy and celebration, making it a favored choice for families wishing to convey positive attributes.

In addition to its primary form, variations and diminutives may exist within Kikuyu culture, reflecting familial affection or local dialects. The enduring appeal of the name can be attributed to its uplifting meaning and the cultural significance placed on happiness within the Kikuyu community, ensuring that it remains a cherished name across generations.

Famous people named Makena

Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan is a model and actress best known for her work in various fashion campaigns and television appearances.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Makena was first seen in the United States in 1984. Makena has ranked as high as #975 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in California, Washington, Texas, Ohio, and Arizona. In the past 5 years the name Makena has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Makena (2024)

State Births Share
CA 18
58%
WA 8
26%
TX 5
16%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19847
19857
19868
19876
198814
198911
199013
199114
199242
199337
199460
199568
199685
1997123
1998140
1999165
2000201
2001197
2002306
2003298
2004297
2005381
2006341
2007303
2008323
2009281
2010294
2011236
2012255
2013252
2014201
2015226
2016224
2017207
2018178
2019150
2020119
2021115
2022108
2023115
202495