Kawehi is a unique and exotic name of Hawaiian origin, derived from the ancient Hawaiian word "ka wehi," which translates to "the fright." However, despite its potentially intimidating meaning, the name Kawehi has a rich history and cultural significance that extends beyond fear.
In Hawaiian culture, the name Kawehi is often associated with strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Legend has it that there was once a legendary Hawaiian chief named Kamehameha who possessed incredible power and bravery. According to the legend, Kamehameha encountered a fearsome monster known as the "moo" during his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. In order to defeat the moo, Kamehameha summoned the spirits of his ancestors, who gave him the name Kawehi to represent their combined strength and power.
The name Kawehi has also been passed down through generations of Hawaiian royalty, with several notable figures bearing this distinctive moniker. One such figure was Princess Kaiulani, a young heiress to the throne of Hawaii who was known for her intelligence, beauty, and strong will. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, including political unrest and personal tragedy, Princess Kaiulani remained steadfast in her commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture and tradition.
Today, Kawehi remains a beloved name among Hawaiians and those with an appreciation for unique and meaningful monikers. While its meaning may initially strike some as frightening or intimidating, the true essence of Kawehi lies in its powerful symbolism of strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether bestowed upon a child or worn by an adult, this extraordinary name is sure to inspire awe and admiration for generations to come.
The name Kawehi has been given to a total of 92 babies in the United States since 1992, according to available records. The name's popularity varied over the years, with peaks occurring in certain decades.
In the early 1990s, the name Kawehi was given to around nine babies each year between 1992 and 1994. There was a slight dip in popularity between 1995 and 1996, with only six births recorded in both years.
The late 1990s saw another increase in the name's popularity, with nine babies named Kawehi in 1998 and eight in 1999. However, this trend did not continue into the early 2000s, as there were only six births each year between 2004 and 2006.
After a period of relative obscurity, the name Kawehi began to regain some popularity in recent years. There were seven babies named Kawehi in both 2012 and 2022, indicating that the name may be experiencing a resurgence among parents choosing unique names for their children.
Overall, while the name Kawehi has not been one of the most popular choices for parents over the past three decades, it has maintained a consistent presence in the United States. With recent increases in its popularity, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues and more babies are given the name Kawehi in the coming years.