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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kapena

Kapena

♂ Boy

Pronounced kah-PEH-nah /kɑːˈpeɪ.nɑː/Medium

Meaning: Hawaiian kapena, 'captain' — a Hawaiianized form of the English word, reshaped to fit Hawaiian sounds. Used as a given name with a sense of command and seafaring. A heritage name, noted respectfully.Medium

In 30 seconds: A name for the one at the helm: Kapena is Hawaiian for 'captain' (said 'kah-PEH-nah').
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Origin MediumHawaiian
MeaningHawaiian kapena, 'captain' — a Hawaiianized form of the English word, reshaped to fit Hawaiian sounds. Used as a given name with a sense of command and seafaring. A heritage name, noted respectfully.
U.S. rank (2024)#13207 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1988
Total births (all-time)≈ 79

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198819802024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kapena is the Hawaiian word for 'captain', borrowed from English and refitted to the Hawaiian sound system, which has no c or t. It became a given name with a natural sense of leadership and seafaring. It is a heritage name, which we ask families to hold respectfully (said 'kah-PEH-nah').

Outside Hawaii it appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, nautical, and warm.

Did you know? Kapena is the English word 'captain' remade in Hawaiian sounds — the language has no hard C or T, so the word was reshaped as it was borrowed. A name that still carries the deck and the sea in it.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Kapena — Hawaiian 'captain', borrowed from English

Variations

KapuaKapono

Nicknames

KapPena

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kapena…

Keanu— a like Hawaiian name with open vowels
Kekoa— a like Hawaiian pick of strength
Makoa— a like Hawaiian choice, fearless in meaning
Koa— a short Hawaiian cousin in sound

Explore names like Kapena

By themeheritagehawaiianstrongnautical
By meaningGift / BlessingLeader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kapena mean?

Kapena is Hawaiian for 'captain' — the English word reshaped to fit Hawaiian sounds.

How do you pronounce Kapena?

It's said kah-PEH-nah /kɑːˈpeɪ.nɑː/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kapena a boy or girl name?

Kapena is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Kapena?

Kapena is a rare name for boys in the U.S., seen most often in Hawaii.

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