Wai is a name of Hawaiian origin, derived from the Hawaiian word "wai" which means water or sea. The name has been traditionally used in Hawaii as both a given name and a surname.
The name Wai carries significant meaning in Hawaiian culture. It represents the importance of water in Hawaiian life, as it is essential for survival and is considered sacred. In addition to this natural element, the name also symbolizes the healing powers of water, such as its ability to purify and renew.
Throughout history, the name Wai has been passed down through generations of Hawaiian families. It has been bestowed upon chiefs, warriors, and commoners alike, each carrying on the legacy of their namesake. Some notable figures with the name Wai include Waiola, a Hawaiian chiefess from the island of Maui, and Waihe'e, a historic village on the island of Oahu.
Today, the name Wai continues to be popular in Hawaii and beyond, worn by both boys and girls alike. It remains a beloved name that embodies the beauty, strength, and essence of water, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a unique and significant name for their child.
The name "Wai" has a notable history of usage in the United States, with a total of 174 babies born with this name between 1970 and 1995. The name's popularity fluctuated over these years, with peaks and troughs in its usage.
In the early 1970s, "Wai" was given to around 5-7 newborns each year. It saw a significant spike in 1976 with 13 births, followed by another peak of 15 births in 1977. However, this was short-lived as the number of births decreased to 8 in both 1978 and 1979.
The late 1970s and early 1980s showed more consistency with "Wai," ranging from 7 to 13 births per year. The name's popularity seemed to wane in the mid-1980s, with only 6 births recorded in 1985.
However, the late 1980s and early 1990s saw a resurgence of "Wai," with numbers fluctuating between 7 and 13 births per year. The last recorded year for this data set was 1995, with 5 births.
It's fascinating to observe the ebb and flow of this name's popularity over these years. Despite its fluctuations, "Wai" has maintained a consistent presence in the United States since 1970.