Find out how popular the first name Malekai has been for the last 19 years (from 2005 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malekai by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Malekai is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Malekai.

The history of the first name Malekai

The name Malekai originated from the Hawaiian language, derived from the combination of the words "male" meaning "garland" and "kai" meaning "sea." It is believed to have emerged as a given name sometime during the 18th or 19th century in Hawaii.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Malekai can be found in the Hawaiian language newspapers and documents from the late 19th century. It was not an uncommon name among Native Hawaiians during this period.

In ancient Hawaiian culture, names often held deep symbolic meaning, reflecting elements of nature, genealogy, or significant events. The name Malekai may have been associated with the beauty and abundance of the ocean, as well as the concept of garlands, which held great importance in Hawaiian traditions.

The earliest known historical figure with the name Malekai was Malekai Kanehoalani, a Hawaiian high chief who lived in the late 18th century. He was a prominent figure in the ali'i (royalty) of the island of Kaua'i.

Another notable individual was Malekai Hapalua, a Hawaiian activist and advocate for Native Hawaiian rights in the late 19th century. He was actively involved in the movement to preserve Hawaiian culture and language during the period of American occupation.

In the early 20th century, Malekai Pahio was a renowned Hawaiian musician and composer, known for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Hawaiian music.

Malekai Kalili was a Hawaiian war veteran who served in World War II and received several military honors for his bravery and service. He later became an advocate for veterans' rights and Hawaiian cultural preservation.

Malekai Naone was a respected Hawaiian educator and linguist in the mid-20th century. He played a significant role in revitalizing and promoting the Hawaiian language through his work in developing educational materials and resources.

While the name Malekai has its roots in Hawaiian culture, it has gained popularity in recent times among various cultural groups, particularly those with an appreciation for its unique sound and meaning.

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

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

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