Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Keahi since 1981
Babies named Keahi per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Keahi's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 0 | 5 |
| 1990s | 8 | 27 |
| 2000s | 12 | 89 |
| 2010s | 0 | 134 |
| 2020s | 10 | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Keahi is a rare Hawaiian name that first entered U.S. records in 1981 and has maintained a low but stable level of use. Its peak popularity occurred in 2023, when it reached its highest rank to date. In 2025, it ranked 6,143 and was given to approximately 1 in 122,005 newborns. While often linked to the Hawaiian word for 'fire,' this meaning is not historically certain and may reflect a modern cultural association. Keahi has not been concentrated in any particular state, and its use remains widespread but sparse. The name's simplicity and connection to Hawaiian heritage make it an appealing choice for families seeking a distinctive name with a natural element.
Keahi is a name of Hawaiian origin, though its exact derivation is uncertain. It is often associated with the Hawaiian word 'keahi' meaning 'the fire' or 'the flame,' but this connection is not firmly established and may be a modern reinterpretation. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1981 and has seen modest use, particularly in Hawaii and among families with Hawaiian heritage. Its ranking peaked in 2023, and it remains a rare but recognizable name.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kea, Kai
Variants: Ka'ehu
Sibling names for Keahi
Names that share Keahi's style, for a brother or sister.
