ThinkabaraMakena: meaning and origin
Makena
“Happy one (Kikuyu)”
About the name Makena
Makena is a girl’s name from the African tradition. Its meaning is “happy one (Kikuyu)”. Names from African languages such as Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo and Akan, often with a full sentence of meaning — like Amara, Kofi, Zuri and Jabari.
It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean joy and happiness.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More African names
- Abeni 👧We asked for her, and behold, we got her (Yoruba) · African
- Adaeze 👧Daughter of the king (Igbo) · African
- Ama 👧Born on Saturday (Akan) · African
- Amara 👧Grace (Igbo) · African
- Amari 🧒Strength, eternal · African
- Ayana 👧Beautiful flower · African
- Folami 👧Respect and honor me (Yoruba) · African
- Imani 👧Faith (Swahili) · African
- Nia 👧Purpose (Swahili) · African
- Zuri 👧Beautiful (Swahili) · African
Sibling name ideas (African, boys)
- Chidi 👦God exists (Igbo) · African
- Jabari 👦Brave, fearless (Swahili) · African
- Jelani 👦Mighty (Swahili) · African
- Kamau 👦Quiet warrior (Kikuyu) · African
- Kofi 👦Born on Friday (Akan) · African
- Kwame 👦Born on Saturday (Akan) · African
- Tunde 👦One who returns (Yoruba) · African
More girl names starting with M
- Madelyn 👧From Magdala; a form of Madeline · Hebrew
- Madison 👧Son of Matthew or Maud; from a surname · English
- Maeve 👧She who intoxicates; a legendary queen of Connacht · Irish
- Magnolia 👧The magnolia tree, named for the botanist Pierre Magnol · Latin
- Malia 👧The Hawaiian form of Mary · Hawaiian
- Margaret 👧Pearl · Greek
- Marisol 👧Sea and sun · Spanish
- Mary 👧Beloved; the mother of Jesus · Hebrew
- Matilda 👧Mighty in battle · German
- Maya 👧Illusion; also linked to Maia, a Greek goddess of spring · Sanskrit / Indian
Questions and answers
What does the name Makena mean?
Makena is a name of African origin. It means: happy one (Kikuyu).
Is Makena a boy or girl name?
Makena is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Makena have?
Makena has 6 letters and about 3 syllables.