Lelu is a unique and uncommon female given name of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "lele," which means to fly or soar. In Hawaiian culture, the lelu bird is believed to be able to fly without moving its wings, symbolizing freedom and independence.
The name Lelu may have been popularized by American author Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island," in which one of the characters is named Lelua, a female pirate. However, it is not clear whether this character was directly inspired by Hawaiian culture or if the name was already known elsewhere before the novel's publication.
Despite its Hawaiian origin and meaning, Lelu has not been widely used as a given name outside of Hawaii. It is still considered quite rare, even within Hawaiian communities. Those who bear the name Lelu may appreciate its unique sound and distinct cultural heritage, while others might find it too unusual or difficult to spell or pronounce.
In terms of pronunciation, Lelu is typically pronounced as /ˈlɛluː/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "u" sounding like in "flute." However, variations in pronunciation may exist depending on regional dialects and personal preferences.
The name Lelu has seen varying popularity over the past decade in the United States. Between 2005 and 2015, there were a total of 47 babies named Lelu. The peak years for this name were 2008 and 2013, with 9 and 8 births respectively. However, it seems that the popularity of the name has decreased in recent years, with only 7 babies named Lelu in 2015. Overall, while not one of the most common names, Lelu has been a relatively consistent choice for parents over the past decade.