Makeba
Bantu · Girl · 3 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Makeba
Makeba means "mother" or derives from Zulu and Xhosa roots in the Bantu language family, where "ka" or "eba" relates to maternal concepts.
This meaning was compiled with AI assistance and is awaiting community review. Know this name well? Help verify or improve it.
Etymology
Makeba means "mother" or derives from Zulu and Xhosa roots in the Bantu language family, where "ka" or "eba" relates to maternal concepts. The name is primarily used among Zulu and Xhosa peoples of South Africa, and gained international recognition through the renowned South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba (1932-1988).
Makeba currently ranks #17,363 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1972.
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Sibling name ideas
South African names that sit beautifully beside MakebaSimilar names you might like
Names starting with MMore names starting with M
- Maeda
- Madgie
- Madalen
- Macoy
- Maclan
- Madisen
- Madona
- Macil
- Madeliene
- Maddeline
- Madleen
- Madiana
- Macayla
- Madaline
- Maebelle
- Mabelene
- Madgel
- Madrid
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Names that sound like Makeba
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"Manasvi is a Sanskrit name derived from "manas" (mind) and the suffix "-vi" (possessing), meaning "intelligent" or "one who possesses…"
"Majouba derives from Arabic roots, with "maj" relating to glory or majesty and the feminine suffix "-ouba," meaning "glorious one"…"
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"Misba is an Arabic name derived from the root word "sbh" (س ب ح), which relates to swimming or moving…"
"Mosab is an Arabic name derived from the root s-b-b, meaning "to pour" or "to cast," and typically translates to…"