Find out how popular the first name Kianah has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kianah by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Kianah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kianah.

The history of the first name Kianah

The name Kianah originates from the Hawaiian language and culture, with its roots dating back to the early Polynesian settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. The name is derived from the Hawaiian word "kia," which means "watchful" or "vigilant," and "nā," meaning "the." Thus, the name Kianah can be interpreted as "the watchful one."

In ancient Hawaiian traditions, names were often chosen to reflect desired qualities or aspirations for a child. The name Kianah may have been bestowed upon individuals who were expected to possess a keen sense of awareness and vigilance, traits highly valued in the Hawaiian culture.

While the name Kianah does not appear to have any specific historical references or mentions in ancient texts, it has been a part of the Hawaiian naming tradition for centuries. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kianah was a Hawaiian chieftain who lived in the late 18th century on the island of Maui.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Kianah. One such person was Kianah Kalani, a Hawaiian singer and songwriter born in 1952, who gained recognition for her contribution to the Hawaiian Renaissance movement, promoting the preservation of Hawaiian language, music, and cultural traditions.

Another notable Kianah was Kianah Kapualiʻilahi, a Hawaiian high chieftess born in 1830, who played a significant role in preserving the traditional land divisions and boundaries of the Hawaiian Islands during the time of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

In the 20th century, Kianah Nāone, born in 1922, was a renowned Hawaiian hula dancer and instructor. She dedicated her life to perpetuating the art of hula and passing on the knowledge and traditions to younger generations.

Kianah Kaʻahumanu, born in 1968, is a contemporary Hawaiian activist and educator. She has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and recognition of Native Hawaiians, as well as promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

Kianah Keolalani, born in 1980, is a Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner. Her artwork, ranging from traditional Hawaiian quilting to contemporary mixed media, incorporates elements of Hawaiian culture and mythology, celebrating the island's rich heritage.

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

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

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