Kelii

“the light”

Hawaii origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11561US 2023

6Births / yr

↑Rising

250All-time births

📅 Since 197300

What does Kelii mean and where does it come from?

Kelii is a Hawaiian name derived from the word 'keli'i', which translates to 'the light' or 'brightness'. The name is primarily used in Hawaii and among those with Hawaiian heritage. Kelii is relatively uncommon outside of these communities. Its historical usage is linked to the importance of light

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #3540 in 1979 — currently #11561 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kelii?

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

Kelii Grace

How popular is Kelii right now?

Rising fast — up 1800 spots — currently #11561 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#11561 · Top 8.5%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11561	6	▲ up 1800 · +20% births
2022	#13361	5	▼ down 3527 · -29% births
2015	#9834	7	▲ up 133
2010	#9967	7	▲ up 1969 · +40% births
2005	#11936	5	▼ down 1132
2000	#10804	5	▼ down 1463
1995	#9341	5	▼ down 5244 · -64% births
1990	#4097	14	▲ up 1458 · +100% births
1985	#5555	7	▼ down 1157 · -22% births
1980	#4398	9	▲ up 931 · +50% births
1975	#5329	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kelii

Best Year1990Rank #4097

Peak Count14

Average Rank#8744

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202311 years

The story of Kelii

Kelii is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 250 total births recorded, Kelii remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5329 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11561 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kelii in 1979:

Michael Christopher Jason David James

Kelii by decade

Kelii peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	44
1980s	52
1990s ★	71
2000s	58
2010s	25

💎Kelii has only 250 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kelii?

Common

KelKelieKely

What names sound and feel like Kelii?

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

Kealii

Hawaii · The chief

Kelix

English · Victory, a variation

Hawaii · the last name

Common questions about the name Kelii

What does the name Kelii mean?

Kelii means "the light" — 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 Kelii?

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

What is the cultural origin of Kelii?

Kelii 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 Kelii trending right now?

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

Is Kelii a common or rare name?

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