An uncommon Hawaiian pick — distinctive and rare.
a male or (formerly) female given name from Hawaiian
Kainoa is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hawaiian origin, meaning 'the name' or 'the renowned one,' from ka (the) and inoa (name, fame). In Hawaiian culture, names carry deep spiritual significance — being called by your name is an act of recognition and honor.
Kainoa is widely used in Hawaii and among Hawaiian families, carrying the lyrical, vowel-rich beauty of the Polynesian language. About 2,560 U.S. births are recorded.
Kainoa has 48+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1975.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 436 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 877 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 748 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 347 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 118 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 34 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 98 | #1698 |
| 2023 | 101 | #1686 |
| 2022 | 75 | #2027 |
| 2021 | 82 | #1878 |
| 2020 | 80 | #1856 |
| 2019 | 93 | #1705 |
| 2018 | 86 | #1784 |
| 2017 | 92 | #1710 |
| 2016 | 105 | #1566 |
| 2015 | 92 | #1697 |
| 2014 | 88 | #1720 |
| 2013 | 84 | #1743 |
| 2012 | 84 | #1778 |
| 2011 | 77 | #1842 |
| 2010 | 76 | #1892 |
| 2009 | 74 | #1932 |
| 2008 | 84 | #1781 |
| 2007 | 76 | #1884 |
| 2006 | 80 | #1749 |
| 2005 | 90 | #1563 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Kainoa has also been given to 40 girls in the U.S. since 1980.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1975–2024) · Methodology