Kahekili is a unique and distinctive given name of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the name of the last independent King of the island of Oahu in Hawaii, Kahekili II (1738-1819). The name means "thunder" or "the thunder roll," reflecting the power and strength associated with this weather phenomenon.
The history behind the name Kahekili is intriguing. Kahekili II was a member of the Kalaniana'ole family, one of the most influential families in Hawaiian history. He ruled over Oahu from 1795 until his death in 1819 and was known for his military prowess and strategic alliances with other chiefs. Despite his relatively short reign, Kahekili II made a significant impact on Hawaiian history by unifying several islands under his rule.
Today, the name Kahekili is often associated with strength, leadership, and royalty in Hawaiian culture. It has been passed down through generations and continues to be used as a given name for boys born into Hawaiian families or those who wish to honor Hawaiian heritage. While it may not be as commonly used outside of Hawaii, Kahekili remains a powerful and meaningful name with deep roots in Hawaiian history and culture.
The name Kahekili has seen a steady but modest increase in usage over the past decade in the United States. In 2009, there were 5 newborns given this name, followed by an uptick to 6 births each in 2010 and 2012. The numbers dipped slightly to 5 births in 2014 but rebounded with a total of 7 newborns named Kahekili in 2018. Recently, the popularity has continued to rise with 5 births in 2021 and a significant jump to 9 births in 2022.
Overall, since 2009, there have been a total of 43 babies born in the United States with the name Kahekili. This data reflects a consistent interest in this name over time, with fluctuations indicating potential trends or influences on naming choices during specific years. Despite its relatively low usage compared to more popular names, Kahekili maintains a steady presence among American baby names.