Kalei is a unique and captivating name of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "kāle," which means "path" or "way." The name Kalei signifies guidance, direction, and journey.
The name Kalei has a rich history in Hawaiian culture. In ancient Hawaiian mythology, Kalei was the guardian spirit of travelers and navigators. She was said to guide them safely across the vast oceans, helping them find their way to distant islands. This association with guidance and protection gives the name Kalei a deep spiritual significance.
In Hawaiian tradition, naming a child after a guardian spirit is considered an honor. It is believed that the spirit will watch over the child throughout their life, providing them with protection and guidance on their journey through life. Therefore, parents who choose the name Kalei for their child are not only selecting a beautiful and unique name but also invoking the protection and guidance of Kalei, the guardian spirit.
Today, the name Kalei is still highly regarded in Hawaiian communities and has gained popularity worldwide as people seek unique and meaningful names for their children. Despite its growing popularity, Kalei remains a name that embodies the beauty and spirituality of Hawaii, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a name with deep cultural significance.
In summary, Kalei is a captivating name of Hawaiian origin that signifies guidance, direction, and journey. With a rich history rooted in ancient Hawaiian mythology, the name represents protection and spiritual guardianship. As a unique and meaningful name, Kalei continues to be cherished by families around the world who seek to honor the beauty and culture of Hawaii.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kalei has seen a fluctuating but overall increasing trend in popularity over the past five decades in the United States.
The name first appeared in the top names list in 1973 with 6 births recorded that year. This number remained relatively stable throughout the late 70s and early 80s, with a peak of 8 births in 1975, followed by periods of decline to as low as 5 births per year between 1988 and 1993.
However, starting from the late 90s, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Kalei. In 1999, there were 10 births recorded, which more than doubled the previous highest number of births for that name. This trend continued into the new millennium with peaks of 8 births per year between 2000 and 2002.
After a brief dip in popularity around 2004, the name Kalei saw another surge in popularity from 2005 onwards. The highest number of births recorded for this name was in 2022 with 17 births. This is a significant increase compared to the earliest records, indicating that the name has gained more traction over time.
Overall, between 1973 and 2023, there have been a total of 258 babies named Kalei born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, these statistics show that Kalei is a name that has maintained a consistent presence among baby names over the past five decades.