Find out how popular the first name Mahealani has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mahealani by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mahealani.

The history of the first name Mahealani

Mahealani is a Hawaiian given name with a rich history and cultural significance. It is derived from the Hawaiian words "mahea," meaning "lunar phase," and "lani," meaning "heaven" or "sky." The name can be translated as "heavenly moon" or "moon in the heavens."

The name Mahealani has its origins in the ancient Hawaiian culture, where the moon and its cycles held great importance. The Hawaiians closely observed the phases of the moon and used it to guide their activities, such as fishing, planting, and navigation. The name reflects the reverence and respect the Hawaiian people had for the celestial bodies and their connection to the natural world.

In Hawaiian mythology, the moon goddess Hina was closely associated with the moon's phases and was believed to have a profound influence on various aspects of life, including fertility, childbirth, and the tides. The name Mahealani may have been bestowed upon children born during certain lunar phases or to honor the moon goddess.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mahealani can be found in the Hawaiian genealogies and oral traditions passed down through generations. Queen Mahealani, who ruled the island of Kauai in the late 18th century, was a notable figure in Hawaiian history. Her reign was marked by her wisdom and commitment to preserving the cultural traditions of her people.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Mahealani was Mahealani Dudoit (1890-1970), a Hawaiian musician and composer known for her contributions to the preservation of traditional Hawaiian music. She composed numerous songs and chants, many of which are still performed and celebrated today.

Mahealani Kamau'u (1913-1966) was a renowned Hawaiian hula dancer and choreographer. She played a significant role in reviving and perpetuating the art of hula, which had faced suppression during the period of Western influence in Hawaii. Her performances and teachings helped to keep the cultural traditions of hula alive.

Mahealani Wendt (1954-2021) was a celebrated Samoan-New Zealand author and poet. Her works explored themes of identity, culture, and the experiences of Pacific Islanders in the diaspora. She was recognized for her contributions to the literary landscape of the Pacific region and received several awards and honors during her lifetime.

Mahealani Richardson (born 1971) is a Native Hawaiian activist and educator known for her efforts in promoting the revitalization of the Hawaiian language and culture. She has worked tirelessly to preserve and pass on traditional knowledge and practices to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of her people's 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 Mahealani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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