Find out how popular the first name Kanaloa has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kanaloa by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Kanaloa is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kanaloa.

The history of the first name Kanaloa

Kanaloa is a Hawaiian name with roots dating back to ancient Polynesian mythology and culture. The name is derived from the Hawaiian words "kana," meaning ocean or sea, and "loa," meaning long or vast. It is believed to have originated during the pre-contact era in Hawaii, before the arrival of European explorers and settlers.

In Hawaiian mythology, Kanaloa was the name of one of the four major Hawaiian deities, known as the "Kanaloa" or the "Great Lord." He was considered the god of the ocean, marine life, and the underworld. Kanaloa was often depicted as a powerful and fearsome figure, associated with the forces of nature, particularly the sea and its mysteries.

The earliest recorded mentions of the name Kanaloa can be found in ancient Hawaiian chants, prayers, and oral traditions. These accounts describe Kanaloa as a powerful deity, revered by the Hawaiian people for his dominion over the vast oceans that surrounded the islands.

Throughout Hawaiian history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kanaloa. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kanaloa-Kahi'okalani, a high chief who lived in the late 16th century and was known for his navigational skills and expertise in traditional Hawaiian wayfinding.

Another prominent figure was Kanaloa-Kahoukapu, a renowned kahuna (Hawaiian priest) and healer who lived in the 18th century. He was highly respected for his spiritual knowledge and his ability to communicate with the gods, including Kanaloa himself.

In more recent times, Kanaloa was the name of a Hawaiian musician and composer who lived in the early 20th century. He was known for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Hawaiian music and culture.

Other notable individuals with the name Kanaloa include Kanaloa Kahoʻokapu, a Hawaiian scholar and historian who played a significant role in documenting and preserving Hawaiian language and traditions in the late 19th century. Additionally, Kanaloa Peʻa was a respected Hawaiian educator and community leader in the early 20th century, known for his work in promoting Hawaiian cultural values and education.

The name Kanaloa continues to hold cultural significance in Hawaii, serving as a link to the islands' rich mythological heritage and the reverence for the ocean and natural world that has been a central part of Hawaiian culture for centuries.

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

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

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