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Alakai

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-lah-KY /ˌɑː.lɑːˈkaɪ/Low

Meaning: from the Hawaiian word 'alakaʻi' meaning 'leader' or 'guide'Low

In 30 seconds: Alakai is a Hawaiian boy's name from 'alakaʻi', meaning 'leader' or 'guide'. It carries a clear sense of direction and responsibility.
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Origin LowHawaiian
Meaningfrom the Hawaiian word 'alakaʻi' meaning 'leader' or 'guide'
U.S. rank (2024)#1574 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births109 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 820

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319962024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The name comes from the Hawaiian word 'alakaʻi', used for a leader or one who guides others. As a given name it passes that quality of guidance to its bearer. It reflects the Hawaiian practice of drawing names directly from meaningful everyday words.

The flowing four syllables, ah-lah-KY, give the name a melodic, island-rooted sound. Its straightforward meaning makes it a strong, purposeful choice.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Alakai is 'origin uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 55%
Behind the Name - Alakai — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Alakai…

Kai— a Hawaiian name sharing Alakai's island roots and sound
Keanu— another Hawaiian boy's name drawn from a meaningful word
Makai— a Hawaiian name echoing Alakai's '-kai' ending
Koa— a Hawaiian name carrying a similar strong, leaderly sense

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alakai mean?

Alakai is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with Uncertain tradition.

How do you pronounce Alakai?

It's commonly said ah-lah-KY /ˌɑː.lɑːˈkaɪ/.

Is Alakai a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Alakai is used as a boy name.

How popular is Alakai?

In 2024, Alakai ranked #1574 in the U.S. for boys, with 109 births recorded.