Find out how popular the first name Mehana has been for the last 21 years (from 2002 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mehana by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Mehana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mehana.

The history of the first name Mehana

The name Mehana originates from the Hawaiian language and culture. It is believed to have derived from the Hawaiian words "mehana," which means warm or hot, and "nā," which is a definite article indicating a specific warmth or heat. This suggests that the name Mehana could have initially been used to describe a person with a warm personality or a fiery spirit.

The earliest recorded use of the name Mehana can be traced back to the late 18th century when Hawaii was still an independent kingdom. It was during this period that the Hawaiian language and culture experienced a renaissance, leading to the preservation of many traditional names and their meanings.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Mehana was Mehana Kekūanāoā, a high-ranking chief and advisor to King Kamehameha III in the early 19th century. Kekūanāoā played a crucial role in the establishment of the Hawaiian Kingdom's constitutional monarchy and the promotion of education and literacy among the Hawaiian people.

In the late 19th century, another prominent figure named Mehana emerged – Mehana Kealoha, a respected hula master and chanter. Kealoha was instrumental in preserving and passing down the traditional hula dances and chants, ensuring the continuation of this important aspect of Hawaiian cultural heritage.

During the 20th century, the name Mehana gained popularity among Hawaiian families, with several notable individuals bearing the name. One such person was Mehana Hind, a respected educator and advocate for Hawaiian language and culture. Hind dedicated her life to teaching and promoting the preservation of the Hawaiian language, contributing significantly to its revitalization efforts.

Another notable figure with the name Mehana was Mehana Blaich Vaughan, a celebrated artist and kumu hula (hula teacher). Vaughan was renowned for her expertise in traditional Hawaiian dance and her efforts to perpetuate the art form through her teachings and performances.

While the name Mehana has its origins in the Hawaiian culture, it has also been adopted by families from other ethnicities and cultures, particularly those who have lived in or have connections to Hawaii. This cross-cultural appreciation and adoption of the name further highlights its enduring appeal and significance.

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

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

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