Find out how popular the first name Kelia has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kelia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kelia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 24 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kelia.

The history of the first name Kelia

The given name Kelia is believed to have its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. The name is derived from the Hawaiian word "keli'i," which means "chief" or "leader." This suggests that the name Kelia may have been associated with nobility or positions of authority in ancient Hawaiian society.

While the exact time period when the name first emerged is unclear, it is likely that it has been in use for several centuries, as Hawaiian culture and language have a rich history dating back to the earliest settlements on the islands.

In ancient Hawaiian legends and oral traditions, there are references to individuals bearing the name Kelia or variations of it. However, specific historical records or texts mentioning the name are scarce due to the primarily oral nature of Hawaiian culture before Western contact.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kelia can be found in the 19th century, when it was borne by Kelia Wilcox (1854-1935), a prominent figure in the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. She was a member of the Hawaiian Patriotic League and played an active role in advocating for the restoration of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Another notable individual with the name Kelia was Kelia Moniz (1897-1975), a Hawaiian musician and composer. She was renowned for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Hawaiian music, and her compositions are still widely performed today.

In the realm of sports, Kelia Moniz (born 1993) is a professional surfer from Hawaii. She has competed in numerous World Surf League events and has been a prominent figure in the surfing community, showcasing the athletic and adventurous spirit associated with the Hawaiian culture.

Kelia Shelton-Pedersen (born 1976) is an American television personality and former model. She gained recognition for her role as a host on various reality shows and has also been involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Lastly, Kelia Maa (born 1983) is a Hawaiian actress and producer known for her work in films and television shows, including her role in the popular series "Hawaii Five-0." Her career highlights the ongoing influence and representation of Hawaiian culture in the entertainment industry.

While the name Kelia may have originated in the Hawaiian language and culture, it has since been adopted and used by individuals from various backgrounds, carrying with it the essence of leadership, nobility, and connection to the rich heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.

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

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

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