Meaning, origin, history
Kaiulani is a unique and captivating female given name of Hawaiian origin. Its meaning translates to "the heavens" or "heavenly" in English, reflecting the beautiful celestial imagery that is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture and mythology.
The name Kaiulani is believed to have been inspired by Princess Ka'iulani (1875-1899), a high-ranking chiefess who was the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I. Born into nobility, she was raised to be a future ruler of Hawaii but ultimately died tragically at the young age of 23 during her visit to England.
Princess Ka'iulani is revered in Hawaiian history for her intelligence, grace, and courage as she fiercely advocated for Hawaiian sovereignty against the threat of American annexation. Her story has captivated many hearts over time, with Kaiulani becoming a popular name choice among parents seeking to honor Hawaii's rich cultural heritage.
In recent years, Kaiulani has gained international recognition thanks to its association with various notable figures and popular culture references. Some examples include Ka'iulani Lee, an American actress best known for her role in the television series "Hawaii Five-0," and Kaiulani Robinson, a professional surfer from Hawaii who competes on the World Surf League (WSL) tour.
Despite its growing popularity worldwide, Kaiulani remains deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and traditions. Parents who choose this name for their daughters often do so to convey strength, grace, and a connection to Hawaiian heritage – values that Princess Ka'iulani embodied throughout her life and continue to inspire future generations.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kaiulani since 1880
Total births
435
Total since 1880
Peak year
2011
22 births
in 2023
12
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+9%
↗
vs previous 5 years