Mahina is a unique and captivating name of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "mahina," which means "moon." In Hawaiian culture, the moon plays an essential role in marking time and has been revered for centuries. Thus, the name Mahina embodies the enchantment and beauty associated with this celestial body.
The name Mahina was popularized by Hawaiian-born writer and activist Mary Kawena Pukui. She used it as her pen name when publishing a collection of Hawaiian chants and legends in 1957. Since then, Mahina has become increasingly recognized as a distinctively Hawaiian name.
Mahina is also found in other Polynesian cultures, where it carries similar meanings related to the moon. In these cultures, the moon's phases influence various aspects of life, such as fishing, planting, and navigation. As a result, names like Mahina reflect the deep spiritual connection between Polynesians and their natural environment.
Today, Mahina remains a rare but significant name in Hawaiian communities and beyond. Its unique origin and meaningful association with the moon make it an attractive choice for parents seeking distinctive yet profoundly symbolic names for their children.
The name Mahina has seen a consistent rise in popularity over the past five decades in the United States, with a total of 607 babies being born with this unique moniker since 1974.
In the early years, from 1974 to 1983, there were only 5 births per year on average. However, by the early 1990s, the number of Mahinas began to increase, reaching double digits in 1993 with 8 births and continuing this trend with 12 births in 1994.
The late 1990s saw a consistent rise in popularity for the name Mahina, with an average of around 12 births per year from 1998 to 2006. This decade also marked some notable highs, including 20 births in 2010 and 24 births in 2013.
The 2010s continued this upward trend, with Mahina becoming increasingly popular. The highest number of babies named Mahina was recorded in 2022, with an impressive 53 births. This figure was closely followed by the previous year, with 52 births in 2023.
This data illustrates that while Mahina may not have been one of the most common names in earlier decades, it has undoubtedly gained traction and recognition in recent years. With each passing year since 1974, more parents have chosen this distinctive name for their newborn daughters, reflecting a growing appreciation for unique monikers.