Find out how popular the first name Kailea has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kailea by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Kailea is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kailea.

The history of the first name Kailea

The name Kailea has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture, tracing back to the ancient Polynesian settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. It is a combination of two Hawaiian words: "kai," meaning sea or ocean, and "lea," which signifies joy, happiness, or calmness. The name can be interpreted as "joyful ocean" or "serene sea," reflecting the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the vast Pacific waters surrounding their islands.

While the exact origins of the name Kailea are not well-documented in historical records, it is believed to have been in use among the native Hawaiians for centuries, perhaps even before the arrival of Western explorers and colonizers. The name's roots in Hawaiian language and culture suggest that it may have been borne by individuals of significance in ancient Hawaiian society, though specific records are scarce.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kailea can be found in the 19th century, when a Hawaiian woman named Kailea Keaweamahi lived on the island of Maui. Born in the early 1800s, she was known for her involvement in the preservation of Hawaiian culture and traditions, particularly in the realms of hula and chant.

Another notable figure named Kailea was Kailea Kapu, a Hawaiian activist and educator who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of native Hawaiians and promoting Hawaiian language and cultural education in schools.

In the realm of literature, the name Kailea appears in the work of Hawaiian author and scholar Mary Kawena Pukui, who wrote extensively about Hawaiian language, folklore, and traditions. One of her books, "Olelo No'eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings," includes a reference to a chant or poem featuring a character named Kailea.

Beyond Hawaii, the name Kailea has also been used by individuals of other cultural backgrounds, though its origins can still be traced back to the Hawaiian language and traditions. One example is Kailea Samuels, an American musician and singer-songwriter who gained recognition in the early 2000s for her blend of folk and indie rock styles.

Lastly, in the world of sports, Kailea Tagovailoa-Amosa is a notable figure, an American football player who played defensive tackle for the University of Hawaii and was later drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL) in 2022.

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

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

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