Find out how popular the first name Kamakana has been for the last 13 years (from 2002 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kamakana by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Kamakana is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kamakana.

The history of the first name Kamakana

The name Kamakana has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is a combination of two Hawaiian words, "kama" meaning child and "kana" meaning the brightest or most radiant. Together, the name can be interpreted to mean "radiant child" or "bright child."

The Hawaiian Islands were formed from volcanic activity, with the oldest islands being Kauai and Niihau, which emerged around 5 million years ago. The Hawaiian language and culture have their roots in the settlement of these islands by Polynesian voyagers between 300 and 800 CE. Names like Kamakana likely emerged during this time period as traditional Hawaiian names.

Historically, Hawaiian names often reflected the natural world, physical traits, or circumstances surrounding a child's birth. Kamakana, with its reference to radiance and brightness, may have been given to a child born at a particularly auspicious or joyful time, or one whose presence brought light and joy to their family.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kamakana can be found in the Hawaiian language newspaper "Kuokoa" from the late 19th century, where it was mentioned as the name of a Hawaiian woman. Other early examples include Kamakana Luahine (1860-1932), a Hawaiian historian and genealogist, and Kamakana Nui (1800s), a Hawaiian chief and landowner.

Notable individuals with the name Kamakana throughout history include:

1. Kamakana Kahoʻokahi (1875-1951), a Hawaiian poet and songwriter known for his compositions in the Hawaiian language.
2. Kamakana Elua (1888-1962), a Hawaiian musician and composer, recognized for his contributions to the preservation of Hawaiian music.
3. Kamakana Kekumano (1920-2002), a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and leader in the Hawaiian Renaissance movement.
4. Kamakana Kealoha (1938-2018), a Hawaiian educator and advocate for the revitalization of the Hawaiian language.
5. Kamakana Kahahuna (1962-present), a Hawaiian artist and sculptor, renowned for his works that celebrate Hawaiian culture and traditions.

While the name Kamakana has its origins in the Hawaiian Islands, it has gained popularity and recognition beyond its place of origin, reflecting the enduring influence and cultural significance of Hawaiian names and traditions.

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

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

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