Rising since 2016, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Keala since 1969
Babies named Keala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 74 |
| 1980s | 111 |
| 1990s | 154 |
| 2000s | 288 |
| 2010s | 147 |
| 2020s | 72 |
Meaning & origin
Keala is a name of Hawaiian origin, first recorded in the U.S. in 1969. Its popularity peaked in 2005, but after a period of decline, it has been rising again since 2016. In 2025, it ranked 8,860, with about 1 in every 146,115 baby girls receiving the name. While not common in any single state, its use is scattered across the country. The name is a relatively recent addition to the American naming landscape, reflecting an interest in Hawaiian-inspired names that sound melodious and carry a connection to nature and culture.
Keala is a Hawaiian name whose exact meaning is debated, though it is often interpreted as meaning 'the path' or 'the way.' It may be related to the Hawaiian word 'ke ala' meaning 'the path.' While its use as a given name in the United States appears to be a relatively modern adoption from Hawaiian culture, it has gained some popularity since the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kea
Sibling names for Keala
Names that share Keala's style, for a brother or sister.
