What does Pele mean and where does it come from?
Pele is derived from Hawaiian mythology, where Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. The name is significant in Hawaiian culture, symbolizing strength, passion, and the raw power of nature. Pele holds an important place in Hawaiian legends and stories, often associated with th
Cultural significance
Pele has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaiian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Peak popularity
Reached #9672 in 1973 — currently #13577 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaiian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pele?
Pele works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pele Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pele Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pele Claire
French influence · crisp
Pele Jane
Literary · strong
Pele Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pele right now?
Falling — down 175 spots — currently #13577 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #13577 | 5 | ▼ down 175 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #13402 | 7 | — |
The story of Pele
Pele is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 97 total births recorded, Pele remains relatively uncommon. Pele is used for both genders: 53% female and 47% male.
Names that peaked alongside Pele in 1973:
Pele by decade
Pele peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 19 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 20 | |
| 2010s ★ | 37 | |
💎Pele has only 97 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pele?
What names sound and feel like Pele?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pele also consider these
Common questions about the name Pele
What does the name Pele mean?
Pele means "goddess of fire and volcanoes" — a name rooted in Hawaiian 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 Pele?
Pele is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Pele?
Pele originates from Hawaiian tradition. Hawaiian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Pele?
Pele is a two-syllable name pronounced P EH1 L EY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Pele a common or rare name?
Pele is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.