Kealii

“The chief” — Associated with nobility and leadership

Hawaii origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#6717US 2023

13Births / yr

↑Rising

237All-time births

📅 Since 197400

What does Kealii mean and where does it come from?

Kealii is a Hawaiian name meaning 'the chief' or 'the ruler'. It is often associated with nobility and leadership. In Hawaiian culture, this name reflects the importance of leadership roles and is typically given to boys in honor of family lineage or wishes for excellence. The name has historical ro

Cultural significance

Kealii has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the chief.

Peak popularity

Reached #4089 in 1980 — currently #6717 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kealii?

Kealii works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kealii Grace

How popular is Kealii right now?

Rising fast — up 2715 spots — currently #6717 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#6717 · Top 5.0%

1980

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6717	13	▲ up 2715 · +63% births
2022	#9432	8	▼ down 2064 · -27% births
2021	#7368	11	▲ up 4968 · +120% births
2020	#12336	5	▼ down 3354 · -37% births
2015	#8982	8	▲ up 999 · +14% births
2010	#9981	7	▼ down 2689 · -30% births
2005	#7292	10	▼ down 245 · +11% births
2000	#7047	9	▼ down 887
1995	#6160	9	▼ down 2071 · -10% births
1980	#4089	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kealii

Best Year1980Rank #4089

Peak Count13

Average Rank#7940

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 202310 years

The story of Kealii

Kealii is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 237 total births recorded, Kealii remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4089 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6717 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kealii in 1980:

Michael Christopher Jason David James

Kealii by decade

Kealii peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	17
1980s	24
1990s	60
2000s ★	66
2010s	65
2020s	5

💎Kealii has only 237 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kealii?

Common

KeaKealKealieKealyAlii

What names sound and feel like Kealii?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kealii also consider these

Irish · Slender or narrow

Keani

Hawaii · a place of

Koalii

American · To take, capture.

Kelani

Hawaii · the sea, ocean

Keilani

Hawaii · Hawaiian

Keoki

Hawaii · the last name

Common questions about the name Kealii

What does the name Kealii mean?

Kealii means "The chief" — 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 Kealii?

Kealii is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kealii have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kealii?

Kealii 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.

Is Kealii trending right now?

Kealii is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Kealii a common or rare name?

Kealii is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.