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

Keolanui, 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 Keolanui surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Keolanui in America

Keolanui is the 147095th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Keolanui surname appeared 103 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Keolanui.

The history of the last name Keolanui

The surname Keolanui originates from the Hawaiian Islands, reflecting a deep connection to the native culture and language of Hawaii. Its origins can be traced back to the early period of Hawaiian settlement, with significant roots in the ancient Polynesian people who first populated the islands around 1,500 years ago. Hawaiian surnames often incorporate words that are rich in meaning and connotations about the natural world, social status, or ancestral lineage. The name Keolanui itself is derived from the Hawaiian language, where "keola" means "the life" and "nui" means "great" or "large," hence the name can be interpreted as "the great life" or "the large life."

Historical references to the surname Keolanui are not as thoroughly documented as names found in European records such as the Domesday Book, which reflects the oral traditions of native Hawaiian culture. The name Keolanui may have primarily been passed down through genealogical chants and oral histories rather than written documents. This oral tradition poses a challenge for precisely dating its earliest occurrences.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the surname Keolanui was Lono Keolanui, a 19th-century Hawaiian farmer born around 1830. Lono Keolanui was known for his contributions to sustaining agricultural practices during a period of significant social and political change in Hawaii. His reputation as a knowledgeable farmer and community leader is found in local historical accounts.

Another noted individual was Keolanui Kaahumanu, born in 1875, who was a teacher and advocate for the preservation of Hawaiian language and traditions. Her work in promoting Hawaiian cultural heritage has been recognized in various community records from the early 20th century. She tirelessly collected and preserved oral histories, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture continued to be celebrated and remembered.

The name also appears in references to places within Hawaii, such as the Keolanui Valley on the Big Island, known for its lush landscape and historical significance to native Hawaiian agriculture and settlement patterns. Some ancient Hawaiian legends and chants make mention of great leaders associated with this valley, although exact connections to the surname remain the subject of scholarly interpretation.

Makalea Keolanui, a notable Hawaiian musician born in 1902, helped bring traditional Hawaiian music to a broader audience during the mid-20th century. His recordings and performances have been preserved as part of cultural collections, capturing the essence of Hawaiian musical traditions which were integral to his family's heritage.

In sports, Pono Keolanui, born in 1948, was an accomplished surfer in the 1960s and 1970s, representing Hawaii in various international competitions. His legacy within the surfing community is remembered for both his skill on the waves and his dedication to preserving the sport's native Hawaiian roots.

Hoku Keolanui, an environmental activist born in 1955, has worked extensively in promoting sustainable practices and conserving Hawaii's natural environment. Known for her efforts in protecting native plant species and traditional land-use methods, her contributions have been recognized with various awards and acknowledgments from environmental groups.

The surname Keolanui carries a proud and storied legacy within Hawaiian culture, encapsulating a meaning that resonates with the importance of life and greatness inherent in its translation. It represents a lineage of individuals who have contributed significantly to various facets of Hawaiian life, from agriculture to culture, music, sports, and environmentalism, ensuring that their shared heritage and values endure through generations.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Keolanui

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Keolanui was:

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.

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

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

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