Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Makai
BoyHawaiian· “toward the sea”
- Meaning
- toward the sea
- Origin
- Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- muh-KY
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #481
- US babies 2025
- 626
- Best rank
- #481 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Makai
Makai is a Hawaiian name that means “toward the sea”.
Makai is a Hawaiian word meaning "toward the sea," used in the Hawaiian Islands as a direction, the opposite of mauka, "toward the mountains." Locals give directions this way, pointing makai or mauka rather than north or south. As a given name, Makai has become popular in the United States in recent years, used mostly for boys. It has an island feel and a strong, rhythmic sound. The name is easy to spell and pronounce, and Kai makes a natural nickname. It suits families who love the ocean.
Popularity over time
Makai first appears in US Social Security records in 1989. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 2005. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #481, and its highest count, 626 babies. Use has grown 69% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,988 in 2000, #690 in 2010, and #481 in 2025. Of the 9,298 US boys named Makai since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,420 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Hezekiah, Cassian, Caspian, Samson, and Ledger.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Makai ranked highest in Hawaii, Alabama, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #199 | 6 |
| Alabama | #256 | 22 |
| Mississippi | #276 | 12 |
| Georgia | #277 | 45 |
| South Carolina | #295 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Makai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Makai is usually pronounced muh-KY, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ai”.
Middle names for Makai
A few middle names that flow with Makai: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Makai
Similar names
Kai Boy
KY
“sea (Hawaiian)” · Hawaiian
#93
Kenai Boy
KEE-ny
“from an Alaskan place name” · Native American
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Jaxon Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
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“horseman, rider” · English
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“river” · English
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Braxton Boy
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“Bracca's town” · Old English
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Maddox Boy
MA-duhks
“son of Madoc” · Welsh
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Kingston Boy
KIHNG-stuhn
“king's town” · English
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Ryker Boy
RY-kur
American (modern coinage)
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Tucker Boy
TUH-kur
“cloth fuller” · English
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Lists that include Makai
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Makai mean?
Makai is a Hawaiian name that means “toward the sea”.
What is the origin of the name Makai?
Makai has Hawaiian roots. Makai is a Hawaiian word meaning "toward the sea," used in the Hawaiian Islands as a direction, the opposite of mauka, "toward the mountains." Locals give directions this way, pointing makai or mauka rather than north or south.
Is Makai a popular name?
Yes. Makai ranked #481 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Makai a boy or girl name?
Makai is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Makai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Makai?
Makai is usually pronounced muh-KY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings