Declining since 2016, #3,167 for girls today.
Popularity of Kalena since 1962
Babies named Kalena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 105 |
| 1980s | 329 |
| 1990s | 452 |
| 2000s | 744 |
| 2010s | 724 |
| 2020s | 343 |
Meaning & origin
Kalena is a feminine name of Hawaiian origin, though its exact etymology is debated. First recorded in 1962, it remains relatively rare. In 2025, it ranked 3,167 in the U.S., with about 1 in 32,145 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity came in 2017, after which usage has gradually declined. The name has been especially common in Hawaii, Florida, and California, reflecting its Polynesian roots and appeal in sun-drenched states. While the name's meaning is often glossed as 'the sun,' some scholars trace it to the Greek Helenē, via Helen, but this connection is not widely accepted. Kalena's modern sound and Hawaiian flair make it a distinctive choice, though its trajectory shows a falling trend since 2016.
Kalena appears to be a modern Hawaiian coinage or adaptation, possibly influenced by names like Kalani or Leina, or a variant of Kaelena. It gained moderate use in the United States beginning in the 1960s, especially in Hawaii, where its melodic quality aligns with local naming traditions. The name's exact derivation is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Hawaiian word for 'the sun.'
Where Kalena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kale, Lena, Kai
Sibling names for Kalena
Names that share Kalena's style, for a brother or sister.
