Kamahele last name popularity, history, and meaning

Find out how popular the last name Kamahele is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Kamahele.

Meaning of Kamahele

A Hawaiian surname meaning "the traveler."

Kamahele, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Kamahele surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kamahele in America

Kamahele is the 134712th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kamahele surname appeared 125 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Kamahele.

We can also compare 2010 data for Kamahele to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

20102000Change (%)
Rank1347121248727.58%
Count125127-1.59%
Proportion per 100k0.040.05-22.22%

The history of the last name Kamahele

The surname KAMAHELE originates from Hawaii, with its roots traced back to the Hawaiian language and culture. The name is believed to have emerged during the early centuries of Hawaiian settlement, but its precise origin and meaning remain somewhat obscure.

One possible interpretation suggests that KAMAHELE is derived from the Hawaiian words "kama," meaning child or offspring, and "hele," which translates to go or travel. This combination could imply a connection to a person or family known for their travels or migratory patterns within the Hawaiian islands or beyond.

Another theory proposes that KAMAHELE may be linked to an ancient Hawaiian place name or geographical feature, potentially reflecting the ancestral homeland or settlement of those who bore the surname. Unfortunately, historical records detailing the specific origins of this name are scarce.

The earliest documented instances of the KAMAHELE surname can be found in Hawaiian genealogical records dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. One notable figure from this era was Kamahele Kapuaamoku, a high-ranking chief and advisor to King Kamehameha I, who played a crucial role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s.

Another prominent individual bearing this surname was Kamahele Kekuaokalani, a revered Hawaiian scholar and historian who lived during the late 19th century. He was renowned for his extensive knowledge of Hawaiian traditions, customs, and genealogies, and his works remain invaluable resources for understanding the rich cultural heritage of the islands.

In the modern era, the KAMAHELE surname has been carried by several influential figures, including Kamahele Kealiinohomoku, a celebrated hula master and cultural practitioner who dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating the sacred dances and traditions of Hawaii.

Additionally, Kamahele Kahalepuna, a renowned Hawaiian musician and composer, has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of traditional Hawaiian music through his compositions and performances.

Another notable individual with the KAMAHELE surname is Kamahele Kanakaole, a respected Hawaiian activist and educator who has played a vital role in advocating for the rights and cultural preservation of Native Hawaiians.

While the exact origins and meanings of the KAMAHELE surname may remain shrouded in mystery, its enduring presence throughout Hawaiian history serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry and resilience of the Hawaiian people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kamahele

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Kamahele.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

  1. White only
  2. Black only
  3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
  4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
  5. Hispanic
  6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Kamahele was:

Race/EthnicityPercentageTotal Occurrences
Non-Hispanic White Only8.80%11
Non-Hispanic Black Only0.00%0
Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander Only42.40%53
Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native(S)%(S)
Non-Hispanic of Two or More Races45.60%57
Hispanic Origin(S)%(S)

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Kamahele has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

20102000Change (%)
White8.80%14.96%-51.85%
Black0.00%0.00%0.00%
Asian and Pacific Islander42.40%58.27%-31.53%
American Indian and Alaskan Native(S)%0.00%(S)%
Two or More Races45.60%22.83%66.55%
Hispanic(S)%3.94%(S)%

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Kamahele was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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