Makhai
About Makhai
A spelling variation of Makhai, this name has a number of possible meanings and origins. On one hand, it may be an updated form of Michael, borrowing elements from Mikhail, Micaiah, and Makaila. It this case, it would mean "Who is like God", making it a modern choice with more classic roots.
Alternatively, it could be taken from the Hawaiian name Makai, meaning "towards the sea", or it could be a contracted form of Malachi or Malakai, meaning "my angel, my messenger". Additionally, it may take inspiration from the Arabic Khai, meaning "charitable, beneficent".
The name was chosen by Catalina Mancera and (the late) Marshawn Kneeland of the Dallas Cowboys in 2026.
Pronounced mah-KY.
As of October 2026, Makhai ranked #3914 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2260 in 2017.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,562 | 48 | 25 |
| 2015 | #2,551 | 49 | 25.6 |
| 2016 | #2,579 | 49 | 25.8 |
| 2017 | #2,260 | 59 | 31.9 |
| 2018 | #2,627 | 48 | 26.4 |
| 2019 | #2,511 | 53 | 29.5 |
| 2020 | #3,008 | 39 | 22.6 |
| 2021 | #2,397 | 57 | 32.6 |
| 2022 | #2,638 | 51 | 29.2 |
| 2023 | #3,094 | 40 | 23.4 |
| 2024 | #4,139 | 26 | 15.1 |
| 2025 | #3,914 | 28 | 16.4 |