Kailei is a unique and beautiful name of Hawaiian origin. It is composed of two Hawaiian words: "Kai," which means "sea," and "Lei," which signifies "garland" or "wreath." Thus, Kailei translates to "sea garland."
The name Kailei has a rich history in Hawaiian culture. In ancient Hawaii, leis were worn as symbols of status, love, and reverence. They were made from various materials such as flowers, leaves, shells, and feathers. Therefore, the name Kailei could be interpreted as a metaphor for the beauty and splendor of the sea, much like the exquisite leis crafted by the ancient Hawaiians.
Kailei was also the name of a legendary Hawaiian chiefess, Kaileihulu, who was known for her wisdom, courage, and kindness. Her story has been passed down through generations in traditional Hawaiian chants and narratives. She was said to possess powerful healing abilities and was deeply respected by her people.
Today, Kailei continues to be a popular name among Hawaiians and those who appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of its origins. It is often given to girls but can also be used as a unisex name. The name Kailei embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands - wild, free, and full of natural wonder.
The name Kailei has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The statistics show that it was relatively uncommon until the late 1990s, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1988 and 1998.
However, starting from 1999, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Kailei. The figure jumped to 18 births in that year, and then doubled to 36 births in 2000 and 2001 combined. This upward trend continued until it peaked at 42 births in 2007.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Kailei started to decline. By 2012, the number of births had fallen below 20 for the first time since 1998. This decreasing trend has continued relatively consistently until the most recent years, with a total of 34 births in 2020 and 2021 combined.
Despite this decline in popularity, Kailei remains a unique name with a noticeable presence in the U.S., especially among those born between 1998 and 2010. In fact, since 1988, there have been a total of 610 babies named Kailei born in the United States. This statistic indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Kailei has still made its mark on American naming trends over the past few decades.