Makisha is a unique and captivating feminine given name of African origin, specifically from the Bantu-speaking peoples. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its distinctive sound and its association with strength and independence. The name Makisha is believed to have been derived from the Swahili word 'makishi', which means 'to make strong or powerful'. This etymology lends a sense of empowerment to the name, suggesting that those named Makisha are imbued with inherent fortitude and resilience. The name Makisha typically consists of three syllables, with a stress on the first syllable: Ma-KI-shah. It is often spelled with an 'i' following the 'k', but variations such as Makisha or Makiisha can also be found. As a unisex name, Makisha has been embraced by parents seeking a strong and unique identity for their child, regardless of gender. Despite its African origins, Makisha has gained popularity worldwide, with notable bearers including American singer-songwriter Makishi Coleman, better known by her stage name Mýa. In recent years, Makisha has also appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of the most popular baby names in the United States, indicating its growing popularity and acceptance as a modern given name.
The name Makisha experienced a peak in popularity during the mid-1970s with 11 births in 1973 and reaching its highest point at 48 births in 1974. The trend continued to be relatively high throughout the late 1970s, but it began to decline significantly from the early 1980s onwards, dropping to as low as 5 births in 1992. Over these two decades, a total of 446 babies were named Makisha.