Makai
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Toward the sea, seaward
Origin: Hawaiian
Popularity: Ranked #481 in 2025 with 626 babies born.
History: Makai surged in the 2010s-2020s as a Hawaiian name meaning 'toward the sea.' In Hawaii, everything is oriented by the ocean — mauka (toward the mountain) and makai (toward the sea). Naming a child Makai gives them a compass pointing toward the waves. The name represents Hawaiian spatial philosophy made personal.
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Makai? About 1 in 5,317 babies born in 2025 were named Makai, or roughly 1.7 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Makai
What does the name Makai mean?
Makai means “Toward the sea, seaward” from Hawaiian roots.
What is the origin of the name Makai?
Makai has Hawaiian origin. The traditional meaning is “Toward the sea, seaward”.
How popular is Makai?
Makai ranked #481 in 2025 — given to 626 babies that year.
When was Makai most popular?
Makai peaked in 2025 with 626 babies registered that year.
Is Makai a boy or girl name?
Makai is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Makais in registered births are male.
Is the name Makai rising or falling in popularity?
Makai has risen 5480 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #5961 in 2020 to #481 in 2025.
How long has Makai been recorded?
Makai appears in birth records across 33 years — from 1989 through 2025.