Find out how popular the first name Kea has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kea by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kea is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kea.

The history of the first name Kea

The name Kea originates from the Polynesian Hawaiian language, where it means "the white trailing plant." The name was first used in the Hawaiian Islands, likely as early as the 8th century CE when the islands were first settled by Polynesian voyagers.

Kea is derived from the Hawaiian word 'ke'a,' which refers to a type of succulent plant found in the islands. The plant itself has white trailing stems and leaves, which is the basis for the name's meaning. Similar spellings and pronunciations can be found in other Polynesian languages, such as Samoan and Tongan.

While there are no known historical references to the name Kea in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been a common name in Hawaii for centuries. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is Kea, a Hawaiian chief who lived in the late 18th century and was a contemporary of King Kamehameha I.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kea. One of the most famous was Kea, a Hawaiian warrior and navigator who lived in the late 16th century and was known for his bravery and skill in battle. Another was Kea Kekuaokalani, a Hawaiian chiefess who lived in the early 19th century and was known for her wisdom and leadership.

In more recent times, Kea Moeakiola (1890-1967) was a Hawaiian composer and musician who wrote several popular songs and helped preserve traditional Hawaiian music. Kea Pearce (1920-2018) was a New Zealand artist and sculptor known for her work in wood and stone.

Finally, Kea Tupeni (1938-2018) was a Tongan politician and diplomat who served as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga and was later appointed as Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia.

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

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

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