Nainoa is a Hawaiian given name of recent coinage, created by noted Hawaiian cultural practitioner and navigational expert, Nainoa Thompson. The name means "the sea is my teacher." It was bestowed upon Thompson's son, reflecting the deep respect and reverence for the ocean that the family holds. Traditionally in Hawaiian culture, names are often given to children based on their birth order or the circumstances surrounding their birth. However, Nainoa breaks from this tradition, with its meaning being a testament to the family's commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture and their connection to the sea.
"The name Nainoa experienced its peak popularity between the years of 1998 to 2002, with a significant jump from 20 births in 1998 to 33 births in 2002. However, it has seen a steady decline since then, with only 9 births recorded in 2022."