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Home › Baby Names Directory › Makara

Makara

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-KAR-uh /məˈkɑ.rə/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit makara, a mythical sea-creature of Hindu tradition — part fish, part beast — that also names the zodiac sign Capricorn. In Khmer, Makara is the name of the first month of the year, and it is used as a given name in Cambodia. Both routes are real; we present them plainly.Low

In 30 seconds: A sea-creature and a month: Makara names a mythical Hindu sea-beast and Capricorn, and a Khmer month (said 'muh-KAR-uh').
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Origin MediumSanskrit, Khmer
MeaningFrom Sanskrit makara, a mythical sea-creature of Hindu tradition — part fish, part beast — that also names the zodiac sign Capricorn. In Khmer, Makara is the name of the first month of the year, and it is used as a given name in Cambodia. Both routes are real; we present them plainly.
U.S. rank (2024)#14542 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 212

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200119912024

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

Makara is a Sanskrit word for a mythical sea-creature of Hindu tradition, carved on temple gateways from India to Cambodia, and the name of the zodiac sign Capricorn. In Khmer it is also the name of the first month of the year and is used as a given name in Cambodia — two real routes, which we note honestly (said 'muh-KAR-uh').

In the U.S. it is very rare. Mythic, heritage-rich, and distinctive.

Did you know? The makara guards temple doorways across South and Southeast Asia — a carved sea-creature, part fish, part elephant, part crocodile, depending on who carved it. It also gives its name to Capricorn.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Makara — Sanskrit makara (sea-creature; Capricorn); Khmer month name; romanized

Variations

MakharaMokaraMakari

Nicknames

MakKara

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Makara…

Makena— a like Mak- opening in modern use
Amara— a like flowing three-beat pick
Zara— a like crisp heritage choice
Kiara— a like -ara ending in wide use

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By themeheritagesanskritmythic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Makara mean?

Makara is a Sanskrit word for a mythical sea-creature and for the zodiac sign Capricorn; in Khmer it also names the first month of the year.

How do you pronounce Makara?

It's said muh-KAR-uh /məˈkɑ.rə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Makara a boy or girl name?

Makara is used here as a girl's name; in Cambodia it can be heard for either.

How popular is Makara?

Makara is very rare in the U.S.

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