Find out how popular the first name Alala has been for the last 11 years (from 2002 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alala by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Alala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alala.

The history of the first name Alala

The name Alala is of Hawaiian origin, emerging in the late 18th century during the reign of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands. The name is derived from the Hawaiian word 'ala,' meaning 'fragrant' or 'perfumed,' often associated with the sweet-smelling flowers that adorn the islands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alala is found in the ancient Hawaiian chants and legends, where it was used to describe the beautiful and fragrant surroundings of the islands. These chants and stories were passed down orally through generations, preserving the cultural significance of the name.

In 1779, Captain James Cook, the famed British explorer, encountered the Hawaiian Islands and documented the name Alala in his ship's log, referring to a young woman he met during his voyage. This record marks one of the earliest written accounts of the name outside the Hawaiian culture.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Alala. One such individual was Alala Nui (1840-1918), a renowned Hawaiian kahuna (priest) and healer renowned for her expertise in traditional Hawaiian medicine and her deep knowledge of the islands' flora and fauna.

Another significant figure was Alala Kealoha (1875-1952), a Hawaiian poet and songwriter whose compositions celebrated the beauty and traditions of the Hawaiian people. Her works played a vital role in preserving the Hawaiian language and culture during a time of rapid westernization.

In the realm of Hawaiian royalty, Princess Alala Kauanauli (1895-1967) was a prominent figure. She was the granddaughter of King Kamehameha IV and a staunch advocate for the preservation of Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions.

More recently, Alala Moss (1924-2001) was a respected Hawaiian educator and activist who dedicated her life to promoting Hawaiian language and cultural education in schools. Her efforts contributed significantly to the revitalization of the Hawaiian language and its recognition as an official state language.

Lastly, Alala Huihui (1949-2018) was a renowned Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner. Her intricate kapa (bark cloth) designs and creations were highly regarded, and she played a crucial role in reviving and preserving this traditional Hawaiian art form.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alala was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alala, please contact us.

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