Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Makenna
GirlIrish, American (modern coinage)· “son of Cionaodh”
- Meaning
- son of Cionaodh
- Origin
- Irish, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- muh-KEN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #593
- US babies 2025
- 495
- Best rank
- #201 (2010)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Makenna
Makenna is an Irish and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “son of Cionaodh”.
Makenna is a modern spelling of McKenna, an Irish surname that comes from Mac Cionaoith, meaning "son of Cionaodh." Cionaodh is the Irish form behind Kenneth, and its meaning is uncertain, though it is often linked to fire. The spelling Makenna developed in the United States when the surname became popular as a girls' name in the late twentieth century. It has a bright, lively feel and a rhythm similar to names like Savannah and Mackenzie. Kenna is a natural short form, and the name keeps a clear connection to its Irish roots.
Popularity over time
Makenna first appears in US Social Security records in 1982. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #201 in 2010, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 1,619 were named Makenna. In 2025, 495 babies were named Makenna, and it ranked #593 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #277 in 2000, #201 in 2010, and #593 in 2025. Of the 33,741 US girls named Makenna since records began, 42% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 11,765 babies. Since 2010, 15,905 more have been named Makenna.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Julissa, Jazmine, Fatima, Savanna, and Kailey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Makenna ranked highest in Nebraska, Indiana, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #217 | 11 |
| Indiana | #313 | 23 |
| Michigan | #360 | 25 |
| Ohio | #366 | 31 |
| Pennsylvania | #379 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Makenna is usually pronounced muh-KEN-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Makenna
A few middle names that flow with Makenna: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Makenna
Similar names
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Lists that include Makenna
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Makenna mean?
Makenna is an Irish and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “son of Cionaodh”.
What is the origin of the name Makenna?
Makenna has Irish and modern American roots. Makenna is a modern spelling of McKenna, an Irish surname that comes from Mac Cionaoith, meaning "son of Cionaodh." Cionaodh is the Irish form behind Kenneth, and its meaning is uncertain, though it is often linked to fire.
Is Makenna a popular name?
Yes. Makenna ranked #593 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Makenna a boy or girl name?
Makenna is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Makenna?
Makenna is usually pronounced muh-KEN-uh. 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