Makena

muh-KEHN-uh; ma-KAY-na
Spelling variation of McKenna, Meru
"son of Kenneth; happy one"
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Makena Origin and Meaning

The name Makena is a girl's name of Irish, African origin meaning "son of Kenneth; happy one".

Makenna is a name from the East African Meru community, with a sweet, cheerful meaning and a spirited sound. It could also be used as a spelling variation of the Scottish surname McKenna, or as a nod to the Hawaiian place name, Makena, on the south-west of the Island of Maui, possibly borrowed from the Meru name or from the Hawaiian Makana, meaning "gift".

It ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 2000s and while it has since declined in use, Makena was nevertheless given to around 115 girls in a recent year.

# 992 in the US

Makena Rank in US Top 1000

0200400600800100020102013

Popularity of the name Makena

20 Names Similar to Makena

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Famous People Named Makena

  • Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan
    daughter of American actress Helen Hunt

The name Makena in Nameberry Blog Posts