Butaritari was called Makin Atoll by the U.S. military, and present-day Makin was then known as Makin Meang (Northern Makin) or Little Makin to distinguish it.
Butaritari chamouse Atol Makin polo Exército dos Estados Unidos e Makin entón era coñecido como Makin Meang (Makin Norte) ou Pequena Makin para distinguilo.