What does Kuulei mean and where does it come from?
Kuulei is a Hawaiian name that captures the beauty of the natural world through its meaning. It reflects a connection to the local flora, particularly the plumeria flower, which is cherished in Hawaiian culture for its fragrance and beauty. This name is traditionally feminine and has deep ties to Ha
Cultural significance
Kuulei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the scent of plumeria.
Peak popularity
Reached #6984 in 1986 — currently #16219 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kuulei?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kuulei?
Kuulei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kuulei Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kuulei Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kuulei Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kuulei Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kuulei Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kuulei Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kuulei right now?
Falling — down 15441 spots — currently #16219 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #16219 | 5 | ▼ down 15441 · -100% births |
| 2023 | #778 | 1,422 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #783 | 1,402 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #788 | 1,372 | ▲ up 16333 · +27340% births |
| 2005 | #17121 | 5 | ▼ down 3362 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #13759 | 6 | ▼ down 1357 |
| 1995 | #12402 | 6 | ▼ down 2245 |
| 1985 | #10157 | 6 | ▼ down 1301 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #8856 | 7 | ▲ up 1538 · +40% births |
| 1975 | #10394 | 5 | — |
The story of Kuulei
Kuulei is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 152 total births recorded, Kuulei remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10394 in 1975 to #778 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kuulei in 1986:
Kuulei by decade
Kuulei peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 46 | |
| 1990s | 39 | |
| 2000s ★ | 51 | |
| 2010s | 11 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Kuulei has only 152 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kuulei?
Common
KuuKuulKuulieKuulyUlei
What names sound and feel like Kuulei?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kuulei also consider these
Common questions about the name Kuulei
What does the name Kuulei mean?
Kuulei means "the scent of plumeria" — 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 Kuulei?
Kuulei is currently ranked #778 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kuulei?
Kuulei 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 are good nicknames for Kuulei?
Kuulei naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.
What personality traits are associated with the name Kuulei?
Studies on name perception suggest that Kuulei is often associated with balance and approachability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.