Makai

♂ Boy

Pronounced muh-KY /məˈkaɪ/High

Meaning: Likely a variant of Micah or Michael, from Hebrew 'mikha'el' meaning 'who is like God?'; also connected to Hawaiian 'makai' meaning 'toward the sea' or 'seaward'; dual roots give the name layered appealMedium

In 30 seconds: Makai is a melodic modern name with both Hebrew ('who is like God?') and Hawaiian ('toward the sea') roots. Warm and flowing, it has been growing in the United States as a distinctive name with a tropical, spiritual quality.

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Origin MediumHebrew, Hawaiian

MeaningLikely a variant of Micah or Michael, from Hebrew 'mikha'el' meaning 'who is like God?'; also connected to Hawaiian 'makai' meaning 'toward the sea' or 'seaward'; dual roots give the name layered appeal

U.S. rank (2025)#481 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births626 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,293

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Makai likely developed as a variant of Micah or Michael (Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?') influenced by Hawaiian makai (toward the sea, seaward). The name sits at the intersection of American Hebrew-name naming traditions and Hawaiian-influenced name trends that have been popular since the late 20th century.

Makai has appeared in U.S. naming records with growing frequency since the 2000s, particularly popular in communities that appreciate its dual spiritual and natural meaning. Its two-syllable, open-vowel sound gives it an easy, friendly quality.

Did you know? In Hawaiian navigation, 'makai' means toward the sea — one of the four cardinal directions used in Hawaii (along with mauka, toward the mountains). This gives the name a beautiful directional, oceanic meaning that complements its Hebrew roots.

Overall data confidence 72%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MicahMikaiMakhai

Nicknames

KaiMak

Famous Bearers

★Makai Mason (1995-)
American professional basketball player

If you like Makai…

Kai— shares the Hawaiian/Pacific influence and the same short, flowing quality

Micah— shares the Hebrew 'who is like God' root

Zion— shares the spiritual, nature-infused biblical naming tradition

Israel— another meaningful Hebrew name with strong spiritual connotations

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Frequently Asked

What does Makai mean?

Makai likely means 'who is like God?' as a variant of Micah/Michael, and also 'toward the sea' in Hawaiian — giving it a beautiful dual spiritual and oceanic meaning.

How do you pronounce Makai?

Makai is pronounced muh-KY /məˈkaɪ/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Where does the name Makai come from?

Makai draws on Hebrew (Micah/Michael) and Hawaiian (makai, toward the sea) roots, reflecting both American Jewish naming traditions and Hawaiian-influenced naming trends.

Is Makai a popular boys' name?

Makai has been growing in the U.S. as a distinctive, meaningful choice that combines spiritual depth with a pleasant, flowing sound.