Declining since 2022, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Kealii since 1974
Babies named Kealii per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1996, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kealii's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 24 |
| 1990s | 60 |
| 2000s | 66 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Kealii is a Hawaiian name embodying leadership and nobility. First recorded in the United States in 1974, it reached its peak popularity in 2023. As of 2025, it ranks 9,714th nationally, with an estimated 1 in 244,011 boys given the name. While the name has never appeared among the top 1,000 names nationwide, it maintains a steady presence in Hawaii and among families with Hawaiian heritage. The trajectory shows a slight decline since 2022, but it remains a distinctive choice with strong cultural roots.
Keali'i is a Hawaiian name formed from the definite article 'ke' and 'ali'i' meaning 'chief', 'noble', or 'royalty'. It is traditionally a masculine name in Hawaiian culture, often given to boys of high rank or to honor leadership qualities. The name reflects the importance of lineage and social hierarchy in pre-contact Hawaiian society.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kea, Alii, Kai
Variants: Keali'i, Kealiiokawai
Sibling names for Kealii
Names that share Kealii's style, for a brother or sister.
