Given name & surname
Makani
“of the wind”
Makani is used as a given name and a surname. One Hawaiian interpretation is “of the wind.”
Meaning & origin
What it means
One Hawaiian interpretation is “of the wind.”
Where it comes from
An origin associated with this spelling is Hawaiian.
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1996. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Makani through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 516
- 371 boys · 145 girls
- Most popular year
- 2022
- 51 babies
- 2025
- 26
- #6,035 for boys · #9,245 for girls
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- +88%
- Rising fast
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 15 U.S. birth records for boys, ranking No. 6,035 among boys’ names. Average annual use for boys was 84.5% higher in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. It also appeared in 11 birth records for girls in 2025. Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 367 as a first name in 2020; 227 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Makani’s family of names
Makani has a related form in Makan. Makani has a related form in Makanea. Makani has a related form in Makanee.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 6
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Similar names
If you love Makani, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Makana
“gift”
59% boys · 41% girls
Koi
“one who implores”
48% boys · 52% girls
Kona
“a girly woman”
58% boys · 42% girls
Alika
“one who is honest”
47% boys · 53% girls
Armani
“one who is desired; a goal”
56% boys · 44% girls
Aiman
45% boys · 55% girls
Akari
61% boys · 39% girls
Kaimana
“diamond”
77% boys · 23% girls