Declining since 2019, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Lehua since 1960
Babies named Lehua per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 79 |
| 1980s | 65 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 60 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 29 |
Meaning & origin
Lehua is a rare Hawaiian name first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1960, with a peak in usage in 1977. As of 2025, it ranks 10,107th, with approximately 1 in 178,585 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2019, suggesting it remains an uncommon but culturally rich choice. The name is tied to the 'ōhi'a lehua tree, a symbol of strength and beauty in Hawaiian culture. Despite its low overall frequency, it carries deep meaning and has a melodic sound that appeals to families honoring Hawaiian heritage or seeking a distinctive nature name.
Lehua is a Hawaiian name meaning 'beloved' or 'sweetheart,' derived from the word 'lehua,' which also refers to the 'ōhi'a lehua tree (Metrosideros polymorpha), a culturally significant tree in Hawaiian mythology whose red flowers are sacred to the volcano goddess Pele. The name has been used as a given name in Hawaii, occasionally appearing in mainland U.S. records since the mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lehu, Lele
Sibling names for Lehua
Names that share Lehua's style, for a brother or sister.
