Duke vs Makai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Duke

Boy #710 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"leader, military commander"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

American English Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#710
Total SSA Count
375
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Duke →

Makai

Boy #534 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"toward the sea, seaward"

Origin: Hawaiian

Cultural Roots

Hawaiian American Pacific Islander

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#534
Total SSA Count
556
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Kai

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Makai →

Popularity Comparison

Duke Rank #710
Makai Rank #534

Makai is more popular, ranked #534 vs #710 for Duke.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Duke ___

  • Duke James
  • Duke William
  • Duke Henry
  • Duke Thomas
  • Duke Lee
  • Duke Allen

Makai ___

  • Makai James
  • Makai Cole
  • Makai Reef
  • Makai Blue
  • Makai Ray
  • Makai Stone

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Duke

Earl Rex Beau Chase Baron

If you choose Makai

Kai Koa Nalani Leilani Malia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duke or Makai more popular?

Makai is more popular, ranked #534 compared to Duke at #710 in the United States.

What do Duke and Makai mean?

Duke means "leader, military commander" (Latin origin). Makai means "toward the sea, seaward" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Duke and Makai boy or girl names?

Duke is primarily a boy name. Makai is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Duke ← Full profile: Makai Browse all baby names