Iolani is a unique and captivating female given name of Hawaiian origin. The name is derived from the ancient Hawaiian word "Io," which means "hawk," and "lani," meaning "heaven" or "sky." Therefore, Iolani translates to "heavenly hawk."
The name Iolani has a rich history in Hawaiian culture. It was borne by several notable figures in Hawaiian royalty. The most famous bearer of the name is Queen Iolani herself, who was the younger sister of King Kamehameha III and later became the ruler of Hawaii from 1823 to 1829. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness, and her legacy continues to inspire Hawaiians today.
In addition to its historical significance, Iolani is also a name with deep cultural and spiritual meaning for Native Hawaiians. The hawk, Io in Hawaiian, is considered a sacred bird, representing guidance, wisdom, and the ability to soar above obstacles. Thus, the name Iolani symbolizes strength, courage, and a connection to the divine.
While Iolani may not be as widely used today as some other Hawaiian names, it remains an enchanting and meaningful choice for parents seeking a unique and significant name for their daughter. Its association with Queen Iolani also makes it a fitting tribute to Hawaii's rich history and cultural heritage.
The name Iolani has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States, with some years showing an increase and others a decrease.
In 2001, there were 7 newborn girls named Iolani. This number decreased to 6 in both 2003 and 2007. However, it rose again to 7 in 2009 before decreasing to 5 in both 2010 and 2011.
Interestingly, the number of births with the name Iolani began to increase from 2012 onwards. There were 9 such births that year, followed by a significant jump to 11 in 2013. Although there was a slight decrease to 9 in 2014, the trend continued upwards with 7 births in 2015 and 2016.
Recently, in 2021, there were once again 9 newborn girls named Iolani, indicating that this name continues to be chosen by parents in the United States.
Over the entire period from 2001 to 2021, a total of 92 baby girls were named Iolani. This shows that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over the years, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for many parents.