How popular is the baby name Makana in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Makana.

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Popularity of the baby name Makana


Posts that mention the name Makana

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state in 2023

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2023?

And which names appeared in the data for just one state last year?

Here are all the answers! (Any unique name that also popped up in last year’s post is in boldface.)

Alabama (AL)

  • Alabama’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Alabama’s top boy name: William
  • Alabama’s 7 unique girl names: Maeleigh, Dominga, Huntley, Cerenity, Jabria, Kenslei, Weslyn
  • Alabama’s 8 unique boy names: Bankston, Kylar, Gates, Jakaiden, Ladarrius, Taylan, Wheeler, Zaylan

Alaska (AK)

  • Alaska’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Alaska’s top boy name: Liam/Oliver (tie)
  • No unique girl names.
  • Alaska’s 1 unique boy name: Atigun
    • Atigun, the name of a river in northern Alaska, debuted last year in the national data with five baby boys — all five of whom (we now know) were born in-state.

Arizona (AZ)

  • Arizona’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arizona’s top boy name: Liam/Mateo (tie)
  • Arizona’s 5 unique girl names: Ariza, Payson, Aolanis, Zo, Zanovia
  • Arizona’s 3 unique boy names: Aleister, Bradyn, Rosario

Arkansas (AR)

  • Arkansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arkansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Arkansas’s 1 unique girl name: Savvy
  • Arkansas’s 1 unique boy name: Emmit

California

  • California’s top girl name: Olivia
  • California’s top boy name: Noah
  • California’s top 10 unique girl names: Emiko, Gurnaaz, Amada, Avina, Mannat, Zephyr, Amairany, Arzoi, Aveah, Divina (total of 490)
  • California’s top 10 unique boy names: Aren, Armen, Angad, Tigran, Gurfateh, Mehtab, Davit, Hayk, Nirvair, Dara (total of 336)

Colorado

  • Colorado’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Colorado’s top boy name: Liam
  • Colorado’s 2 unique girl names: Fae, Imogene
  • Colorado’s 2 unique boy names: Cale, Gustav
    • Hockey player Cale Makar is a star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche.

Connecticut

  • Connecticut’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Connecticut’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Delaware

  • Delaware’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Delaware’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

District of Columbia

  • D.C.’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • D.C.’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Florida

  • Florida’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Florida’s top boy name: Liam
  • Florida’s top 10 unique girl names: Abigael, Talani, Daisha, Daliyah, Elianys, Kloe, Yari, Akeelah, Jasmyn, Kelsi (total of 84)
  • Florida’s top 10 unique boy names: Marvens, Antwan, Ahmari, Maikol, Wensley, Woodley, Gaspar, Javaris, Wood, Bane (total of 102)

Georgia

  • Georgia’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Georgia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique girl names: Christian, Israel, Lawson, Markayla, Dallis, Julian, Landree, Loralei, Makiya, Aaryn (total of 39)
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique boy names: Flint, Deontae, Tyrus, Cyxx, Kaimir, Kamani, Laksh, Zakhari, Chapel, Epic (total of 31)

Hawaii

  • Hawaii’s top girl name: Isla
  • Hawaii’s top boy name: Elijah
  • Hawaii’s 5 unique girl names: Mahina, Hilinai, Kealani, Kahealani, Malie
  • Hawaii’s top 10 unique boy names: Keahi, Kaipo, Kawika, Kanaloa, Kealii, Kiai, Makana, Haaheo, Ioane, Kaena (total of 15)

Idaho

  • Idaho’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Idaho’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Idaho’s 1 unique girl name: Mesa
  • No unique boy names.

Illinois

  • Illinois’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Illinois’s top boy name: Noah
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique girl names: Maja, Anastasija, Ainslie, Namari, Saliha, Ajla, Alexie, Bellamie, Dalylah, Imaan (total of 19)
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique boy names: Andrej, Marshawn, Petar, Teodor, Bogdan, Danylo, Kacper, Nikodem, Alim, Eldon (total of 24)

Indiana

  • Indiana’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Indiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Indiana’s 5 unique girl names: Taylynn, Elnora, Haevyn, Mable, Maylie
  • Indiana’s 8 unique boy names: Infantmale, Dewayne, Lynx, Makiah, Abbott, Holdyn, Nymeir, Quinlan

Iowa

  • Iowa’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Iowa’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • Iowa’s 2 unique boy names: Jens, October

Kansas

  • Kansas’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Kansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Kentucky

  • Kentucky’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Kentucky’s top boy name: Liam
  • Kentucky’s 2 unique girl names: Embry, Hazeleigh
  • Kentucky’s 1 unique boy name: Weller

Louisiana

  • Louisiana’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Louisiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Louisiana’s 8 unique girl names: Kaislee, Jersei, Kacelyn, Amiree, Jalyric, Jori, Khaza, Khylie
  • Louisiana’s top 10 unique boy names: Nylan, Caston, Jhai, Kaven, Kharter, Cevyn, Demauri, Jeanluc, Khyler, Kruze (total of 11)

Maine (ME)

  • Maine’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Maine’s top boy name: Theodore
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Maryland (MD)

  • Maryland’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Maryland’s top boy name: Liam
  • Maryland’s 3 unique girl names: Meklit, Melona, Syncere
  • Maryland’s 6 unique boy names: Record, Access, Karon, Oluwadamilare, Tavon, Tobechukwu
    • “Record” seems to be a placeholder name (like “Infantmale,” “Babygirl,” and so forth).

Massachusetts (MA)

  • Massachusetts’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Massachusetts’s top boy name: Noah
  • Massachusetts’s 8 unique girl names: Aylla, Mariaalice, Eloah, Emilly, Mariajulia, Lunna, Annaliz, Indira
  • Massachusetts’s 6 unique boy names: Murilo, Bento, Keiden, Zayvian, Conall, Konstantinos

Michigan (MI)

  • Michigan’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Michigan’s top boy name: Noah
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique girl names: Zahraa, Aryam, Anhar, Arha, Ellanora, Kendyll, Manar, Maysa, Shahd, Zionna (total of 20)
  • Michigan’s 8 unique boy names: Taim, Amer, Bassam, Clint, Juwan, Martell, Mousa, Neko

Minnesota (MN)

  • Minnesota’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Minnesota’s top boy name: Theodore
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique girl names: Maryama, Anzal, Munira, Nawal, Afnan, Mumtaz, Ayan, Ibtisam, Ikhlas, Sabrin (total of 26)
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique boy names: Mubarak, Suhayb, Majid, Muzamil, Nels, Yonis, Muscab, Sven, Abdifatah, Griffen (total of 13)

Mississippi (MS)

  • Mississippi’s top girl name: Ava
  • Mississippi’s top boy name: John
  • Mississippi’s 3 unique girl names: Jalaysia, Loxley, Mamie
  • Mississippi’s 1 unique boy name: Khysen

Missouri (MO)

  • Missouri’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Missouri’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Missouri’s 4 unique girl names: Lakota, Irelynn, Kamoni, Kimberlynn
  • Missouri’s 2 unique boy names: Creedence, Bayler

Montana (MT)

  • Montana’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Montana’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Nebraska

  • Nebraska’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Nebraska’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique girl name: Atley
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique boy name: Creighton
    • Creighton University (which has a strong athletics program) is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Nevada

  • Nevada’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Nevada’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • Nevada’s 1 unique boy name: Robel

New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • New Hampshire’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

New Jersey

  • New Jersey’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New Jersey’s top boy name: Liam
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique girl names: Penina, Lianny, Ettel, Aanvi, Adelle, Avisha, Ruchama, Serayah, Dhara, Selin (total of 11)
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique boy names: Binyomin, Michoel, Karas, Aras, Drin, Elazar, Nakai, Tuvia, Ason, Henrique (total of 12)

New Mexico

  • New Mexico’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New Mexico’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

New York

  • New York’s top girl name: Emma
  • New York’s top boy name: Liam
  • New York’s top 10 unique girl names: Faigy, Malky, Rivky, Raizy, Yitty, Goldy, Hindy, Shaindy, Esty, Blimy (total of 190)
  • New York’s top 10 unique boy names: Usher, Mendy, Lipa, Lazer, Hershel, Simcha, Yossi, Moishe, Shloma, Meilech (total of 184)

North Carolina

  • North Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • North Carolina’s top boy name: Liam
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique girl names: Wrenn, Yulani, Layanna, Skylan, Wisteria, Zalani, Alayla, Amillia, Aryya, Bethel (total of 20)
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique boy names: Henderson, Graylen, Kaidence, Larson, Worth, Alegend, Avett, Chayton, Jahmel, Jalani (total of 17)

North Dakota

  • North Dakota’s top girl name: Evelyn
  • North Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Girl
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique boy name: Boy

Ohio

  • Ohio’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Ohio’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique girl names: Hanan, Ramiyah, Mahala, Bexleigh, Emmelyn, Giavonna, Roseann, Rowena, Zaryiah, Aahana (total of 24)
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique boy names: Rayshawn, Larkin, Aavyan, Findley, Kari, Carmello, Cheikh, Darion, Dirk, Khyair (total of 31)

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oklahoma’s top boy name: Liam
  • Oklahoma’s 5 unique girl names: Cing, Lyndi, Niang, Parklynn, Wilder
  • Oklahoma’s 1 unique boy name: Sampson

Oregon

  • Oregon’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oregon’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Pennsylvania’s top boy name: Noah
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique girl names: Barbie, Suzanne, Verna, Suhaylah, Azarah, Elisia, Roux, Abagail, Kendal, Niamh (total of 29)
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique boy names: Benuel, Mahlon, Aasir, Azir, Nasai, Cashel, Lavern, Amaree, Freeman, Joash (total of 21)

Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Rhode Island’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

South Carolina

  • South Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • South Carolina’s top boy name: Noah
  • South Carolina’s 4 unique girl names: Kheumani, Ellorie, Khole, Elloree
  • South Carolina’s 3 unique boy names: Drayton, Asiyah, Grainger

South Dakota

  • South Dakota’s top girl name: Ava
  • South Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Tennessee

  • Tennessee’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Tennessee’s top boy name: Liam
  • Tennessee’s 4 unique girl names: Hampton, Lemon, Lorna, Rivers
  • Tennessee’s 8 unique boys names: Neyland, Hendon, Ryman, Deshun, Jamario, Javontae, Manning, Stiven
    • Neyland Stadium is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team.
    • Ryman Auditorium, a concert hall that dates back to the 1890s, is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
    • Peyton Manning played football for the Tennessee Volunteers in the 1990s.

Texas

  • Texas’s top girl name: Emma
  • Texas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Texas’s top 10 unique girl names: Eugenia, Dariela, Analucia, Gretel, Eleonor, Karyme, Landyn, Zailey, Katelynn, Kobi (total of 536)
  • Texas’s top 10 unique boy names: Stoney, Eugenio, Pete, Whitten, Brayson, Eliud, Homero, Weldon, Dimas, Ediel (total of 399)

Utah

  • Utah’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Utah’s top boy name: Liam
  • Utah’s 7 unique girl names: Boston, Bentlee, Swayzie, Adalaide, Quincey, Rossi, Swayzee
  • Utah’s top 10 unique boy names: Hyrum, Mckay, Ammon, Stockton, Covey, Dallin, Heber, Hesston, Jeter, Nix (total of 13)
    • Hyrum Smith was an early leader of the LDS Church. (He was one of Joseph Smith’s siblings.)
    • David O. McKay was one of the leaders of the LDS Church during the mid-20th century.
    • John Stockton played basketball for the Utah Jazz from 1984 to 2003.
    • Dallin H. Oaks is one of the current leaders of the LDS Church.
    • Heber C. Kimball was an early leader of the LDS Church.

Vermont

  • Vermont’s top girl name: Amelia/Eleanor (tie)
  • Vermont’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Virginia

  • Virginia’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Virginia’s 4 unique girl names: Aviya, Hayleigh, Meylin, Yemariam
  • Virginia’s 2 unique boy names: Lochlann, Azan

Washington

  • Washington’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Washington’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Washington’s 8 unique girl names: Lucile, Babygirl, Ellinor, Kiah, Mercer, Ravenna, Winnifred, Yoadan
  • Washington’s top 3 unique boy names: Ruvim, Advay, Kipp

West Virginia

  • West Virginia’s top girl name: Amelia
  • West Virginia’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Wisconsin’s top boy name: Theodore
  • Wisconsin’s 2 unique girl names: Amarianna, Gretta
  • Wisconsin’s 2 unique boy names: Loren, Renley

Wyoming

  • Wyoming’s top girl name: Evelyn
  • Wyoming’s top boy name: Henry/Jack (tie)
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Do you have thoughts about any of the single-state names above?

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image: Topographical Map of the USA by NOAA

Baby names that fell the fastest in the U.S. data, 1881 to today (relative decrease)

fallen leaves

We looked at the top baby name rises last month, so this month let’s look at the opposite: the top drops. That is, the baby names that decreased the most in usage, percentage-wise, from one year to the next in the Social Security Administration’s data.

Here’s the format: girl names are on the left, boy names are on the right, and the percentages represent single-year slides in usage. (For example, from 1880 to 1881, usage of the girl name Clementine dropped 68% and usage of the boy name Neil dropped 76%.)

  • 1881: Clementine, -68%; Neil, -76%
  • 1882: Malissa, -56%; Verne, -67%
  • 1883: Minna, -67%; Morton, -74%
  • 1884: Roxy, -62%; Ellsworth & Newt, -60%
  • 1885: Sina, -68%; Clarance, -74%
  • 1886: Cordia, Dicie & Johnie, -64%; Adelbert, -69%
  • 1887: Faith, -69%; Hardy, -73%
  • 1888: Diana & Hope, -63%; Connie, -55%
  • 1889: Zilpha, -71%; Wendell, -71%
  • 1890: Buena, -60%; Alvie, -69%
  • 1891: Odie, -65%; Pierce, -76%
  • 1892: Eudora, -67%; Maude, -58%
  • 1893: Lollie, -65%; Levy, -64%
  • 1894: Macy, -64%; Lindsay, -76%
  • 1895: Gina, Laurel & Pennie, -69%; Alvie & Urban, -65%
  • 1896: Dagmar, -75%; Talmage, -67%
  • 1897: Myrta & Ouida, -75%; Benton, -68%
  • 1898: Fae, -71%; Fate, -74%
  • 1899: Rosia, -80%; Fitzhugh, -79%
  • 1900: Irva, -74%; Dora, -69%
  • 1901: Leonore, -75%; Judge, -81%
  • 1902: Veva, -74%; Davis, -72%
  • 1903: Littie & Samantha, -67%; Hunter, -67%
  • 1904: Genie, -71%; Bessie & Reynold, -67%
  • 1905: Luberta, -75%; Randall, -67%
  • 1906: Dulcie, -75%; Patsy, -69%
  • 1907: Libbie, -71%; Geo, -59%
  • 1908: Aurore, -75%; Elden & Minor, -67%
  • 1909: Arnetta, -68%; Tracy, -75%
  • 1910: Lollie, -67%; Hadley, -64%
  • 1911: Nada, -72%; Shelton, -73%
  • 1912: Carla, -71%; Rosendo, -67%
  • 1913: Vassie, -67%; Auburn, -67%
  • 1914: Coy & Maryelizabeth, -64%: Hosey, -78%
  • 1915: Thomasine, -67%; Giacomo, -67%
  • 1916: Zudora, -75%; Remus, -72%
  • 1917: Athalie, -78%; Tatsuo, -82%
  • 1918: Theta, -74%; Lennis, -72%
  • 1919: Liberty, -83%; Foch, -84%
  • 1920: Veatrice, -77%; Pershing, -73%
  • 1921: Fidela & Theone, -70%; Cleven, -71%
  • 1922: Angelyn & Renata, -75%; Dail, -73%
  • 1923: Odilia, -83%; Ugo & Waino, -74%
  • 1924: Gladine, -71%; Masayuki, -72%
  • 1925: Williemae, -72%; Emitt, -72%
  • 1926: Patrice, -75%; Ann, -78%
  • 1927: Vila, -75%; Boston, -76%
  • 1928: Kazue, -79%; Shoji, -93%
  • 1929: Livia, -81%; Tatsuo, -82%
  • 1930: Ivalee, -71%; Deforest, -72%
  • 1931: Emaline, -76%; Audley, -75%
  • 1932: Zulema, -80%; Hale, -77%
  • 1933: Dessa, -78%; Burleigh, -79%
  • 1934: Nira, -81%; Overton, -71%
  • 1935: Claudean, -73%; Hester, -74%
  • 1936: Norita, -79%; Kenley, -79%
  • 1937: Adel & Berdine, -71%; Grace, -78%
  • 1938: Ever, -75%; Casimiro, -75%
  • 1939: Walda, -74%; Butler, -74%

The SSA data isn’t perfect, but it does become more accurate in the late 1930s, because “many people born before 1937 never applied for a Social Security card, so their names are not included in our data” (SSA). Now, back to the list…

  • 1940: Avalon & Ellouise, -75%; Jacque, -71%
  • 1941: Lassie, -71%; Faye & Lemar, -71%
  • 1942: Voncille, -75%; Meyer, -70%
  • 1943: Mahala, -76%; Ewing, -76%
  • 1944: Kyle, -77%; Griffith, -77%
  • 1945: Sherrianne, -74%; Ellwood, Kern & Pascal, -67%
  • 1946: Bettyjo, -71%; Adrien, -77%
  • 1947: Judye, -76%; Bernardino, -72%
  • 1948: Tilda, -78%; Saverio, -74%
  • 1949: Vickii, -77%; Alphonza, -75%
  • 1950: Ranelle, -78%; Agapito, -68%
  • 1951: Vallorie, -90%; Skippy, -72%
  • 1952: Laural, -76%; Edson, -74%
  • 1953: Annelle & Otilia, -72%; Gerrit, -70%
  • 1954: Trenace, -81%; Celso, -76%
  • 1955: Jyl, -79%; Garrie & Robet, -74%
  • 1956: Cerise, -79%; Orlin, -74%
  • 1957: Angelene, -77%; Ruby, -76%
  • 1958: Seneca, -80%; Darryel & Richerd, -72%
  • 1959: Elfrida, -82%; Dietrich, -75%
  • 1960: Jinny, -72%; Ardis, -74%
  • 1961: Perian, -91%; Cully, -84%
  • 1962: Chantay, -80%; Torin, -73%
  • 1963: Marnita, -82%; Isidore, -75%
  • 1964: Julann, -79%; Tandy, -75%
  • 1965: Tonjua, -90%; Jaimie, -86%
  • 1966: Charlet & Desi, -77%; Glennon, -74%
  • 1967: Jeryl, -83%; Haskell, -72%
  • 1968: Millette, -88%; Daneil, -77%
  • 1969: Lya, -81%; Athony, -73%
  • 1970: Cinamon, -77%; Aldrin, -77%
  • 1971: Chimene, -77%; Garet, -74%
  • 1972: Jurea, -83%; Rayvon, -77%
  • 1973: Dayatra, -86%; Keelan, -70%
  • 1974: Shondell, -78%; Efraim, -71%
  • 1975: Natonya, -78%; Imari, -76%
  • 1976: Okema, -87%; Nakia, -79%
  • 1977: Liberty, -79%; Tierre, -81%
  • 1978: Farrah, -78%; Quint, -77%
  • 1979: Danetta, -77%; Kinte, -84%
  • 1980: Vernee, -77%; Kendra, -75%
  • 1981: Santresa, -80%; Jerritt, -74%
  • 1982: Andres, -75%; Stavros, -78%
  • 1983: Tremaine, -81%; Nicanor, -75%
  • 1984: Tyechia, -81%; Jeris, -77%
  • 1985: Gricel, -89%; Duron, -76%
  • 1986: Celenia, -83%; Damiano, -76%
  • 1987: Tareva, -86%; Krystal, -75%
  • 1988: Jeree, -82%; Jammal, -80%
  • 1989: Neyva, -77%; Derrel, -76%
  • 1990: Catherin, -93%; Salvator, -88%
  • 1991: Tichina, -80%; Arsenio, -76%
  • 1992: Unnamed, -88%; Unnamed, -86% [2nd place: Emilce & Symba, -83%; Quayshaun, -80%]
  • 1993: Akeiba, -88%; Evelyn & Jawara, -71%
  • 1994: Kebrina, -86%; Farrell, -79%
  • 1995: Noheli, -84%; Ajee, -79%
  • 1996: Shatasha, -81%; Unknown, -77%
  • 1997: Hydia, -80%, Halston, -79%
  • 1998: Ajaysia, -77%; Jachai, -91%
  • 1999: Naidelyn, -86%; Denzil, -79%
  • 2000: Shanequa, -82%; Giovan, -75%
  • 2001: Berania, -78%; Devontre, -75%
  • 2002: Anallely, -86%; Nkosi, -72%
  • 2003: Jnaya, -88%; Tyheim, -81%
  • 2004: Nayzeth, -89%; Myzel, -75%
  • 2005: Nathaniel, -80%; Hannah, -87%
  • 2006: Babygirl, -86%; Infant, -91% [Counting legit names only: Mikalah, -82%; Jakyri, -79%]
  • 2007: Bethzy, -91%; Brasen, -83%
  • 2008: Lizania, -86%; Duvan, -79%
  • 2009: Aideliz, -88%; Kesan, -78%
  • 2010: Chastelyn, -95%; Yanixan, -87%
  • 2011: Samuel, -79%; Tiger, -80%
  • 2012: Thaily, -78%; Vadhir, -88%
  • 2013: Shanik, -88%; Oneil, -77%
  • 2014: Audris & Avalie, -80%; Sy, -73%
  • 2015: Rion, -83%; Rawley, -79%
  • 2016: Yazaira, -84%; Treysen, -79%
  • 2017: Brucha, -76%; Makana, -79%
  • 2018: Yuleimy, -85%; Neizan, -78%
  • 2019: Anifer, -86%; Nomar & Gianlucas, -73%

(Did you catch the doubles? Alvie, Tatsuo, and Fae/Faye.)

Top drops aren’t quite as exciting as top rises, but certain ones become much more intriguing when you notice that they were also top rises:

  • Rose-then-dropped: Clarance, Lollie, Lindsay, Zudora, Tatsuo, Liberty, Norita, Vallorie, Krystal, Seneca, Nakia, Mikalah, Bethzy, Thaily
  • Dropped-then-rose: Clementine, Malissa, Diana, Alvie, Pierce, Judge, Rosendo

I’ve already written about some of the names above (click the links to see the posts) and I plan to write about a few of the others. In the meanwhile, though, feel free to beat me to it — leave a comment and let us know why you think any of these names saw dropped in usage when they did.

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from Fall (6282684630) by Kenny Louie under CC BY 2.0.

[Latest update: May 2024]

Popular Hawaiian baby names

Waikiki-Beach-Charles-Furneaux

Which Hawaiian names are popular in Hawaii right now?

I read through the current list of top baby names in Hawaii and picked out as many traditional Hawaiian names as I could. Here they are, plus their definitions (and their missing ‘okinas!).

Popular Hawaiian Names for Girls

  • Leilani, 19 baby girls, means “heavenly (lani) flowers/child (lei).”
  • Mahina, 15, means “moon” or “moonlight.”
  • Kalena, 13, means “the (ka) yellow (lena).” Yellow was once symbolic of the alii, Hawaii’s powerful royal class (source).
  • Kaila, 11, means “style, fashion.”
  • Hali’a, 9, means “sudden remembrance, memory.”
  • Kai’a, 9, means “the (ka) fish (i’a).”
  • Kailani, 8, means “heavenly (lani) sea (kai).”
  • Keani, 7, means “the (ke) soft breeze (ani).”
  • Mehana, 7, means “warmth, heat.”
  • Hi’ilani, 6, means “held in the arms (hi’i) of heaven (lani).”
  • Kailana, 6, means “calm (lana) sea (kai).”
  • Kamaile, 6, means “the (ka) maile vine.”
  • Lilinoe, 6, means “fine mist.”
  • Malie, 6, means “calm.”
  • Anuhea, 5, means “cool, soft fragrance.”
  • Hi’ilei, 5, means “child (lei) held in the arms (hi’i).”
  • Ilihia, 5, means “excited” or “awe-stricken.”
  • Kawena, 5, means “the (ka) glow (wena).”
  • Kealani, 5, means “heavenly (lani) whiteness (kea).”
  • Lea, 5, is the name of a Hawaiian goddess.
  • Mahealani, 5, means “sixteenth day of the lunar month; night of the full moon” (source).
  • Nai’a, 5, means “dolphin.”
  • Noelani, 5, means “heavenly (lani) mist (noe).”

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser said Malia (ranked 21st overall) was the most popular Hawaiian name for girls in 2013, but Malia is is just the Hawaiian form of the non-Hawaiian name Mary, so I didn’t include it. I didn’t include several other names (like Keoni, Hawaiian for “John”) for the same reason.

Popular Hawaiian Names for Boys

  • Kai, 38 baby boys, means “sea.” Kai was the 19th most popular boy name overall in Hawaii last year.
  • Kainoa, 21, means “the (ka) namesake (inoa).”
  • Kaimana, 20, means “power (mana) of the sea (kai).”
  • Koa, 16, means “warrior, brave” or is a reference to the koa tree.
  • Nainoa, 11, means “the (na) namesakes (inoa)” — na is the article used for plural nouns.
  • Makoa, 10, means “fearless.”
  • Nakoa, 10, means “”the (ne) brave ones/koa trees (koa).”
  • Kana’i, 9, means “the (ka) conqueror (na’i).”
  • Makana, 9, means “gift.”
  • Ka’eo, 8, means “full of knowledge.”
  • Kahiau, 8, means “generous.”
  • Kainalu, 8, means “billowy (nalu) sea (kai).”
  • Keanu, 8, means “the (ke) coolness (anu).”
  • Noa, 8, means “commoner/free man.”
  • Kaleo, 7, means “the (ka) sound/voice (leo).”
  • Kamaha’o, 6, means “wondrous.”
  • Kanoa, 6, means “the (ka) commoner/free man (noa).”
  • Kekoa, 6, means “the (ke) brave one/koa tree (koa).”
  • La’akea, 6, means “sacred (la’a) white/light (kea).”
  • Makai, 6, means “toward (ma) the sea (kai).”
  • Mana, 6, means “supernatural or divine power.”
  • Alaka’i, 5, means “leader.”
  • Kaiea, 5, means “rising (ea) sea/tide (kai).”
  • Ka’imipono, 5, means “the (ka) seeker of righteousness (‘imi pono).”
  • Kalani, 5, means “the (ka) heavenly one/royal one (lani).”
  • Kamakani, 5, means “the (ka) wind (makani).”
  • Koamalu, 5, means “brave (koa) peace (malu).”

While I was gathering all those definitions, I also found a bunch of other interesting Hawaiian names, such as…

  • ‘Aukai, “seafarer” (‘au, “travel” + kai, “sea”). It’s like the Hawaiian version of Sailor.
  • Kapi’ioho, “curly hair.” It’s like the Hawaiian version of Crispin (Latin crispus, “curly”).
  • ‘Opunui, “big-bellied” (‘opu, “belly” + nui, “big”). Big bellies were a status symbol in old Hawaii. According to one source, “the elite lived lavishly, were feasting constantly, and the highest chiefs were distinguished by their corpulence.”
  • Leiko is a hybrid Hawaiian-Japanese name: lei, “flowers/child” + ko, “child.”

Do you have a favorite Hawaiian name? Leave a comment and tell me about it!

Source: Bodley, John H. Cultural Anthropology: Tribes, States, and the Global System. Lanham, MD: AltaMira-Rowman & Littlefield, 2011.