Makara

Makara is a unisex name used in Cambodia, where it means "January" in the Khmer language. The name derives ultimately from Sanskrit मकर (makara), which refers to the constellation Capricornus in Hindu astrology. Accordingly, the month of January is associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn in the Hindu calendar system used in parts of Southeast Asia.

Mythological and Cultural Significance

Beyond its calendrical use, Makara has deep roots in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. In Hindu tradition, Makara is a legendary sea-creature, often depicted as a hybrid being with the head of an elephant or crocodile and the tail of a fish. It serves as the vahana (vehicle) of the river goddess Ganga and the ocean god Varuna, symbolizing water, fertility, and the boundary between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds.

Makara is also the emblem of Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love, who is sometimes called Makaradhvaja, meaning "one whose flag depicts a makara." Deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya are depicted wearing earrings shaped like makaras, known as Makarakundalas. In temple architecture, makara figures are ubiquitous as guardians of doorways and thresholds, and they frequently appear as gargoyles or water spouts.

Notable Bearers

• Makara Sovann (born 1990), Cambodian footballer

Key Facts

• Meaning: January (Khmer calendar); mythological sea-creature
• Origin: Sanskrit, via Hindu-Buddhist tradition
• Type: First name, unisex
• Usage Regions: Cambodia