Kaleo is a name of Hawaiian origin, derived from the Hawaiian word "kāleo," which means "the sound of speech" or "the speaking voice." It is often associated with wisdom and eloquence due to its literal translation.
The name Kaleo has a rich history in Hawaiian culture. According to legend, it was the name given to the first mortal man on earth by the Hawaiian god Kane. This association gives the name Kaleo a deep spiritual significance for many Hawaiians.
In modern times, the name Kaleo has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique sound and meaningful origin. It is often used as both a first name and a middle name, with variations such as Kaelo, Kaelo, and Kaléo also gaining traction.
Despite its growing popularity, Kaleo remains relatively rare compared to more common names like James or John. This rarity can add to the allure of the name, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child.
The name Kaleo has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the data provided, there were only 5 births with the name Kaleo in 1971, but by 2023, that number had risen to 137 births.
The trend of increasing popularity began around the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1999, there were 25 births with the name Kaleo, which doubled to 48 births in just two years by 2001. This upward trajectory continued steadily throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with significant spikes in popularity around 2016 onwards.
In fact, between 2016 and 2023, the number of births with the name Kaleo more than doubled, from 75 births in 2016 to 137 births in 2023. This trend suggests that the name Kaleo has become increasingly popular among parents choosing names for their children.
It's also interesting to note that while the name Kaleo was initially much less common than many other names, it has now reached a level of popularity where it is chosen for hundreds of babies each year in the United States. This indicates that the name Kaleo has successfully established itself as a unique and appealing choice among parents.
In conclusion, while the name Kaleo may have started out relatively uncommonly used, it has since gained significant traction in the United States, with its popularity continuing to rise even into recent years.