What does Kawika mean and where does it come from?
Kawika is derived from the Hebrew name David, which means 'beloved'. It is commonly used in Hawaiian culture and is often seen in a context of affection and respect. The name has been in usage in Hawaii since the early 19th century, following the increase of Christian influences and Western educatio
Cultural significance
Kawika has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the beloved one.
Peak popularity
Reached #1745 in 1979 — currently #5351 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kawika?
Kawika works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kawika Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kawika Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kawika Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kawika Claire
French influence · crisp
Kawika Jane
Literary · strong
Kawika Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kawika right now?
Falling — down 566 spots — currently #5351 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5351 | 18 | ▼ down 566 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #4785 | 21 | ▲ up 1721 · +62% births |
| 2021 | #6506 | 13 | ▼ down 1954 · -38% births |
| 2020 | #4552 | 21 | ▼ down 347 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #4205 | 24 | ▼ down 733 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #3472 | 31 | ▲ up 894 · +55% births |
| 2005 | #4366 | 20 | ▲ up 280 · +25% births |
| 2000 | #4646 | 16 | ▼ down 2117 · -47% births |
| 1995 | #2529 | 30 | ▼ down 285 · -6% births |
| 1990 | #2244 | 32 | ▼ down 85 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #2159 | 26 | ▼ down 314 · -16% births |
| 1980 | #1845 | 31 | ▲ up 1539 · +182% births |
| 1975 | #3384 | 11 | — |
The story of Kawika
Kawika is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 1,136 total births recorded, Kawika remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3384 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5351 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kawika in 1979:
Kawika by decade
Kawika peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 133 | |
| 1980s | 260 | |
| 1990s ★ | 270 | |
| 2000s | 235 | |
| 2010s | 212 | |
| 2020s | 21 | |
💎With 1,136 total births, Kawika is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kawika?
What names sound and feel like Kawika?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kawika also consider these
Common questions about the name Kawika
What does the name Kawika mean?
Kawika means "the beloved one" — a name rooted in Hawaii tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Kawika?
Kawika is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kawika have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kawika?
Kawika originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Kawika?
Kawika pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hawaii heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Kawika trending right now?
Kawika is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.