Find out how popular the first name Kamalei has been for the last 30 years (from 1995 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kamalei by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Kamalei is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 80% of people named Kamalei being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kamalei.

The history of the first name Kamalei

The name Kamalei has its origins rooted in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is a combination of two words, "kama" meaning child, and "lei" referring to a garland or wreath of flowers. This suggests that the name carries a connotation of innocence, beauty, and adornment, perhaps reflecting the intention of bestowing these qualities upon the child bearing this name.

In ancient Hawaiian traditions, the naming of a child was a sacred ritual, often guided by spiritual and astrological beliefs. The use of the name Kamalei can be traced back to the pre-colonial era of the Hawaiian Islands, before the arrival of Western settlers and missionaries in the late 18th century.

Historical records from the early 19th century indicate the presence of individuals bearing the name Kamalei, although specific details are scarce due to the oral nature of Hawaiian culture at the time. One noteworthy figure was Kamalei Kanakapili, a high-ranking chieftess and landowner who lived during the reign of King Kamehameha III in the early to mid-1800s.

Moving forward in time, the name gained further recognition with Kamalei Kordick, a prominent Hawaiian musician and composer who was born in 1938 and passed away in 2008. Her compositions and performances played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian music and culture.

Another notable individual was Kamalei Noa, a Hawaiian activist and educator who dedicated her life to the preservation of native Hawaiian language and culture. Born in 1948, she was instrumental in establishing Hawaiian language immersion programs and advocating for indigenous rights in Hawaii.

In the realm of sports, Kamalei Wahine was a standout volleyball player who represented the United States in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Her athletic achievements and dedication to her Hawaiian heritage inspired many young athletes.

While the name Kamalei may not be as widely known outside of Hawaii, it holds a deep cultural significance and connection to the rich traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. Its roots in ancient times and its continued use throughout history serve as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Hawaiian people.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kamalei, 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!