Find out how popular the first name Hiilani has been for the last 28 years (from 1994 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hiilani by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Hiilani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Hiilani.

The history of the first name Hiilani

The name Hiilani originates from the Hawaiian language and culture. It is a combination of the Hawaiian words "hii," meaning "to carry," and "lani," meaning "heaven" or "heavenly." The name can be translated to mean "heavenly burden" or "carried by heaven."

In Hawaiian mythology, Hiilani was the name of a powerful goddess associated with the sea and fertility. She was revered by ancient Hawaiians and was believed to bless those who bore her name with strength, resilience, and protection.

The earliest recorded use of the name Hiilani dates back to the 18th century, when it was given to the daughter of a prominent Hawaiian chief. Throughout the centuries, the name has been associated with royalty and nobility in Hawaiian society.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Hiilani was Hiilani Kanakaole, a renowned Hawaiian cultural practitioner and hula master who lived from 1881 to 1954. She played a pivotal role in preserving and perpetuating the traditions of Hawaiian dance and chant.

Another notable figure with the name Hiilani was Hiilani Young, a Hawaiian singer and songwriter born in 1957. She gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s for her contemporary interpretations of traditional Hawaiian music.

In the world of literature, Hiilani was the name of a character in the novel "The Hawaiians" by James A. Michener, published in 1959. The character, a strong-willed Hawaiian woman, was central to the book's exploration of Hawaiian culture and history.

Hiilani Hanohano was a celebrated Hawaiian athlete who excelled in various sports, including volleyball and surfing. Born in 1968, she was recognized for her exceptional athleticism and her dedication to promoting Hawaiian cultural values.

Hiilani Keiki, born in 1974, is a respected Hawaiian artist and educator. Her work, which includes paintings, sculptures, and installations, often explores themes of cultural identity, spirituality, and environmental stewardship.

The name Hiilani has endured through the centuries as a symbol of Hawaiian heritage and cultural pride. Its deep roots in mythology and its association with notable figures have contributed to its enduring significance in the Hawaiian community.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!