Find out how popular the first name Kalei has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kalei by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kalei is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 88% of people named Kalei being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Kalei.

The history of the first name Kalei

The given name Kalei is believed to have its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is derived from the Hawaiian words "ka lei," which translates to "the lei" or "the garland." Lei is a traditional Hawaiian wreath or garland made from flowers, leaves, shells, or other natural materials, often worn around the neck or head for cultural ceremonies and celebrations.

The name Kalei has been in use in Hawaiian culture for centuries, although the exact time of its origin is unclear. It is likely that the name was initially associated with the cultural significance of leis and their symbolic representation of love, respect, and reverence in Hawaiian traditions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kalei can be found in the Hawaiian language newspaper "Ka Nupepa Kuokoa" from the late 19th century, where a person named Kalei Kamaiopili was mentioned in an article published in 1868.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kalei. One such person was Kalei Hussey, a Hawaiian musician and songwriter who was born in 1948 and is renowned for her contributions to the Hawaiian Renaissance movement in the late 20th century.

Another notable Kalei was Kalei Kaaihue, a professional baseball player from Hawaii who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics between 2008 and 2012.

In the realm of Hawaiian politics, Kalei Akina, born in 1952, is a prominent figure who served as the President and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy think tank dedicated to promoting individual liberty and free markets.

Kalei Kanahele, born in 1965, is a Hawaiian activist and educator who has been actively involved in the preservation of Hawaiian culture and language, as well as advocating for the rights of Native Hawaiians.

Another notable Kalei was Kalei Fernandez, a Hawaiian surfer and competitive swimmer who was born in 1993 and represented Hawaii in various surfing competitions throughout her career.

It is important to note that these examples are not exhaustive, and there may be other individuals with the name Kalei who have made significant contributions in various fields throughout 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 Kalei was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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