Find out how popular the first name Hau has been for the last 38 years (from 1983 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hau by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Hau is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 76% of people named Hau being male.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Hau.

It's also interesting to see that despite Hau being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2020 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Hau.

The history of the first name Hau

The given name Hau has its roots in the Hawaiian language, originating from the Polynesian archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. It is believed to have been in use since ancient times, perhaps as early as the 4th century AD when the islands were first settled by Polynesian voyagers.

Hau is derived from the Hawaiian word "hau," which refers to the sea hibiscus or hau tree, a flowering plant native to the Hawaiian Islands. The name may have been inspired by the beauty and resilience of this plant, which thrives in coastal environments and is known for its large, vibrant yellow flowers.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Hau can be found in traditional Hawaiian chants and oral histories, which were passed down through generations. These chants often celebrated the natural world and the spiritual connection between the Hawaiian people and their island home.

In the realm of Hawaiian mythology, Hau is also the name of a demigod associated with the hau tree. According to legend, Hau was a skilled navigator who guided the first Polynesian settlers to the Hawaiian Islands and taught them the art of voyaging across the vast Pacific Ocean.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Hau. One example is Hau'oli Nui (c. 1775-1841), a high chief and advisor to King Kamehameha I, who played a pivotal role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century.

Another prominent figure is Hau Pule (1892-1975), a Hawaiian scholar and language expert who dedicated his life to preserving and revitalizing the native Hawaiian language and culture. His efforts were instrumental in ensuring the survival of the Hawaiian language, which had faced near-extinction in the 20th century.

In the realm of Hawaiian music, Hau'oli Malu (1932-2009) was a renowned singer, songwriter, and kumu hula (hula teacher) who helped popularize traditional Hawaiian music and dance both locally and internationally.

Additionally, Hau'oli Akaka (1920-2014) was a distinguished Hawaiian politician who served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from 1990 to 2013, advocating for the rights and interests of Native Hawaiians and other indigenous communities.

Lastly, Hau'oli Kai (born 1976) is a contemporary Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner known for his intricate wood carvings and sculptures, which celebrate the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

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 Hau was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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