Lehua is a beautiful Hawaiian name for girls that means "the flower of the lehua tree". The lehua tree is native to Hawaii and is known for its striking red blossoms that bloom during the winter months. In Hawaiian culture, the lehua tree is considered sacred and is often associated with the goddess Pele, who is believed to have taken on the form of a lehua tree to escape her jealous sister, Na Moody.
The name Lehua has a rich history in Hawaiian folklore and mythology. According to one legend, Lehua was once a beautiful maiden who lived near the lehua tree. She fell in love with a chief named Ohia, but his mother disapproved of their union and ordered him to marry someone else. Heartbroken, Lehua ran away into the forest and begged the gods to turn her into a flower on the lehua tree so that she could always be close to Ohia.
The gods granted her wish, and today, the lehua blossom is said to symbolize love, passion, and devotion. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who wear it or have it near them.
In addition to its cultural significance, Lehua is also a popular name among Hawaiian families due to its melodic sound and unique meaning. While it may not be as well-known outside of Hawaii, Lehua has gained popularity in recent years as more people become interested in the beauty and richness of Hawaiian culture.
Overall, Lehua is a truly enchanting name that embodies the spirit and natural beauty of Hawaii. Its deep roots in Hawaiian history and mythology make it a meaningful choice for parents looking to honor their heritage or simply give their daughter a unique and beautiful name.
The name Lehua has been given to a total of 305 babies in the United States over the past six decades, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the name was relatively uncommon, with only five births recorded each year between 1960 and 1972. However, it began to gain traction in the mid-1970s, with seven births recorded in both 1974 and 1975.
The popularity of Lehua peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a high of 14 births recorded in both 1977 and 1979. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with double-digit figures recorded each year until 1983.
After 1983, the popularity of Lehua began to decline once again, with only seven births recorded in that year. The name remained relatively uncommon throughout the remainder of the 20th century and into the early 21st century, with fewer than ten births recorded each year between 1984 and 2016.
However, there has been a resurgence in popularity for Lehua in recent years, with double-digit figures recorded once again in both 2017 (10 births) and 2018 (11 births). This trend continued into the early months of 2023, with five births already recorded this year.
Overall, while Lehua has not been one of the most popular names in the United States over the past six decades, it has nonetheless been given to a significant number of babies during that time. Its popularity has fluctuated considerably over the years, but recent trends suggest that it may be poised for another surge in popularity in the coming years.