Kahiau first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kahiau has been for the last 29 years (from 1995 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kahiau

A masculine Hawaiian name meaning "exquisite gift" or "treasure".

Popularity of Kahiau by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Kahiau is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kahiau.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 8 0
2022 26 0
2021 10 0
2020 11 0
2019 12 0
2018 9 0
2017 12 0
2016 12 0
2015 10 0
2014 9 0
2013 8 0
2012 6 0
2011 9 0
2010 6 0
2009 12 0
2008 11 0
2007 5 0
2006 8 0
2005 7 0
2004 9 0
2002 11 0
2001 5 0
2000 8 0
1995 5 0

The history of the first name Kahiau

The name Kahiau originates from the Hawaiian language and culture. It dates back to the ancient Polynesian settlement of the Hawaiian Islands, believed to have begun around the 5th century AD. The name is derived from the Hawaiian words "ka" meaning "the" and "hiau" meaning "offering" or "sacrifice".

In ancient Hawaiian tradition, the name may have been given to individuals involved in religious ceremonies or rituals. It could also signify someone who was dedicated to serving the gods or making offerings to deities. The name carries a sense of reverence and spiritual devotion.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Kahiau can be found in the Kumulipo, a sacred Hawaiian chant that describes the creation of the world. This ancient text, passed down through oral tradition, includes the name Kahiau among the genealogies of Hawaiian deities and ancestors.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kahiau. One example is Kahiau, a Hawaiian high chiefess who lived in the 16th century and was known for her leadership and wisdom. Another figure is Kahiau, a Hawaiian navigator and explorer who voyaged across the Pacific in the late 18th century, seeking new lands and expanding the knowledge of the Hawaiian people.

In the 19th century, a Hawaiian chief named Kahiau played a significant role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under the rule of King Kamehameha I. His strategic alliances and military support were instrumental in the consolidation of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Another historical figure was Kahiau, a renowned kahuna (priest) and healer who lived in the early 20th century. He was revered for his vast knowledge of traditional Hawaiian medicine and his ability to cure various ailments using natural remedies and spiritual practices.

One of the more recent individuals with the name Kahiau was a Hawaiian artist and craftsman who lived in the mid-20th century. He was celebrated for his intricate wood carvings and sculptures, which depicted traditional Hawaiian motifs and stories, preserving the cultural heritage of the islands.

The name Kahiau has a rich history rooted in the ancient Hawaiian culture, representing spiritual devotion, leadership, exploration, and preservation of traditions. While the name may not be as common today, it remains a significant part of the Hawaiian cultural identity and a reminder of the islands' profound history.

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

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

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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!

"Kahiau first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 4, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kahiau-meaning-and-history/.

"Kahiau first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kahiau-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 4 July, 2025

Kahiau first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kahiau-meaning-and-history/.

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