Maka is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and Benin. It means "to wait" or "one who waits". This name has been traditionally given to children born after a long period of waiting for a child. In some cases, it can also mean "patience is a virtue", reflecting the cultural importance placed on patience and resilience in Yoruba society. Maka is often used as a unisex name but is more commonly used for girls. It is pronounced /MAH-kuh/ in English.
The popularity of the name Maka appears to have fluctuated over time, with peaks occurring most recently in 2023 and a notable gap between 2009 and 2014.