Everything about the name KIAI

Meaning, origin, history

Kiai is a unique and distinctive name of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "Ki'ai," which translates to "fear" or "dread." However, it's essential to understand that in Hawaiian culture, fear isn't merely seen as a negative emotion but also as a source of respect and awe.

The use of Kiai as a given name is believed to have started with King Kamehameha I, the founder of the Hawaiian Kingdom. According to Hawaiian mythology, Kamehameha had two brothers, who were both warriors named Kaii and Keli'i. These names are derived from Hawaiian words meaning "sea" and "the royal class," respectively.

Kiai is typically associated with power, strength, and courage in Hawaiian culture. It was often used as a name for chiefs or warriors who exhibited great bravery and fearlessness on the battlefield. Over time, Kiai has become a popular name choice among families of Hawaiian descent, and it continues to be used today.

While Kiai may have a somewhat intimidating meaning, those who bear this name are not necessarily characterized by fearfulness or aggression. Instead, they often embody qualities like confidence, determination, and respect for others, reflecting the complex nuances of their name's origins in Hawaiian culture.

Popularity of the name KIAI since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

Based on the provided statistics, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the name Kiai in the United States over a span of several years.

From 2007 to 2023, there have been a total of 42 babies born with the name Kiai. This number represents all known births during this period, making it quite unique and distinct compared to many other names.

The popularity of the name Kiai has varied over time:

* In 2007 and 2018, there were only 5 newborns named Kiai each year. * The years 2008 and 2019 saw a slight increase with 7 births in 2008 and 6 births in 2019.

However, the year 2015 stood out with 8 babies being given the name Kiai. This number represents the highest peak in popularity for this particular name during the recorded period.

Recently, the trend seems to have stabilized:

* In both 2022 and 2023, there were once again 6 newborns named Kiai each year.

While these statistics may not reflect the overall national trends in naming babies, they do offer a glimpse into how the name Kiai has evolved in popularity over time within a specific community. It's fascinating to see how preferences can change even over short periods of time, and it is exciting to imagine what names will become popular in the future based on current trends.