Although exact meaning of Mokena is not known, tradition states that it is Potawatomi for "turtle."

Mokena owes its existence to the Rock Island Railroad. Seeing the potential of the area, Allen Denny authorized the surveying of the area and commenced selling the lots for $100 in the 1830’s. The railroad station served a major draw for farmers to distribute their goods. Mokena's population grew to about 500 people by the time it was incorporated in 1880. By 1990 the population was over 6,000 and will be close to 15,000 by the 2000 census. Despite the growth, Mokena has maintained its small town atmosphere and a safe and secure way of life.