Makena

Meaning of Makena

The name Makena generally means "the happy one". It's a name given to express joy and optimism.

Makena has African (Kenyan) roots — browse every African (Kenyan) baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Makena

After ranking as high as #718 in 2005, Makena has fallen out of the US top 1,000 as of 2025.

Notable people named Makena

• Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan
  Actress, "Family Affair"
• Makena Onjerika
  Kenyan writer, Caine Prize winner
• Makena Njeri
  Kenyan journalist and activist
• Makena Marbury
  American model and actress
• Makena Burke
  American soccer player

Questions about the name Makena

What does the name Makena mean?

Makena means the name makena generally means "the happy one". it's a name given to express joy and optimism, and it comes from African (Kenyan) origins.

Is Makena a boy's or a girl's name?

Makena is most commonly used as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Makena?

Makena did not appear in the top 1,000 baby names in 2025, which makes it a genuinely uncommon pick.

When was Makena most popular?

Makena peaked at #718 in 2005.