Maki Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MAH-kee /ˈmɑːki/
Origin: Japanese; Native American
Meaning: Maki (Japanese) - true hope; Maki (Native American) - a type of tree
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Maki has its roots in Japanese, where it can be derived from various kanji characters, each imparting different meanings. One common interpretation is that it combines the characters "真" (ma), meaning "true" or "genuine," and "樹" (ki), meaning "tree," thus symbolizing a "true tree" or a person of integrity.
The name can also be associated with other meanings depending on the kanji used, reflecting the rich linguistic tradition of Japan where names often carry significant cultural weight and personal attributes. The name entered English usage primarily through cultural exchanges and the global influence of Japanese media and arts in the late 20th century.
Historically, the name Maki has been associated with various figures in Japanese literature and folklore. While specific historical milestones are less documented compared to more prominent names, the use of Maki in Japanese culture can be traced back to the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), when names began to reflect more personal and familial identities.
The name has also appeared in modern Japanese literature and popular culture, contributing to its recognition outside Japan. Culturally, Maki resonates with themes of nature and authenticity, which are significant in Japanese philosophy and aesthetics.
The symbolism of trees in Japanese culture often represents growth, stability, and a connection to the earth, aligning with the meanings associated with the name. Additionally, diminutive forms or variations of Maki may exist, reflecting familial affection or endearment, although these are less commonly noted in historical texts.
Overall, Maki embodies a blend of linguistic beauty and cultural significance, making it a name with deep roots in Japanese heritage.
Famous people named Maki
In this section, you will find notable people named Maki. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Maki who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Maki who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Maki Kawai is a professional wrestler best known for her work in the Japanese wrestling promotion Stardom.
Maki Nishikino is a fictional character best known as a member of the idol group Muse in the multimedia project Love Live! School Idol Project.
Maki Saito is a Japanese artist best known for her contemporary paintings and installations.
Fictional characters named Maki
The following list of fictional characters named Maki is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Maki Nishikino is a fictional character from the multimedia project Love Live! School Idol Festival. She is a talented school idol and a member of the group Muse, known for her strong personality and musical skills.
Maki Oka is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Kyoukai no Kanata. They are a powerful spirit warrior who plays a crucial role in the battle against supernatural beings.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Maki, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Maki was first seen in the United States in 1970.
Maki has ranked as high as #5753 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in Florida, California, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Maki has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Maki is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Maki was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Maki.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 2024 | 14 | 7 | 7 |
| 2023 | 11 | 6 | 5 |
| 2022 | 11 | 5 | 6 |
| 2021 | 23 | 17 | 6 |
| 2020 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2019 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 2017 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| 2016 | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| 2015 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2014 | 24 | 19 | 5 |
| 2013 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 2012 | 32 | 27 | 5 |
| 2011 | 28 | 28 | 0 |
| 2010 | 43 | 36 | 7 |
| 2009 | 37 | 31 | 6 |
| 2008 | 38 | 33 | 5 |
| 2007 | 31 | 25 | 6 |
| 2006 | 40 | 40 | 0 |
| 2005 | 45 | 38 | 7 |
| 2004 | 37 | 37 | 0 |
| 2003 | 22 | 17 | 5 |
| 2002 | 24 | 19 | 5 |
| 2001 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
| 2000 | 11 | 6 | 5 |
| 1999 | 17 | 11 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1996 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1995 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1994 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1993 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1992 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 1991 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1990 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1989 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 1981 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1980 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1979 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1978 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1977 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1976 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1975 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1973 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1972 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1970 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
Top States for Maki (2010)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 5 |