Kauai

♂ Boy

Pronounced kuh-WAH-ee /kəˈwɑ.i/Medium

Meaning: Kauai is the name of the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, sometimes called the Garden Isle. Its own etymology is debated in Hawaiian tradition. Used as a given name it is a place-name honoring the island; we note it respectfully as a Hawaiian place name rather than a traditional personal name.Low

In 30 seconds: An island name: Kauai is the Garden Isle of Hawaii, used as a place-name for a boy (said 'kuh-WAH-ee'). A place name, which we note respectfully.

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Origin MediumHawaiian

MeaningKauai is the name of the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, sometimes called the Garden Isle. Its own etymology is debated in Hawaiian tradition. Used as a given name it is a place-name honoring the island; we note it respectfully as a Hawaiian place name rather than a traditional personal name.

U.S. rank (2024)#13225 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 32

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Kauai (Kaua'i) is one of the Hawaiian islands, the oldest of the main chain. Its own origin is debated within Hawaiian tradition. As an American given name it is a place-name pick, chosen for love of the island and its sound. We note it respectfully as a Hawaiian place name (said 'kuh-WAH-ee').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, island-rooted, and lyrical.

Did you know? Kauai is the oldest of Hawaii's main islands, green with cliffs and canyons and nicknamed the Garden Isle. Used as a given name it honors that place — we note that it is a place name rather than a traditional personal name.

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Kauai — Hawaiian island name; etymology debated; place-name use

Variations

KauiKawaiKaua

Nicknames

KauKai

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kauai…

Kai— a like short Hawaiian-linked pick

Koa— a Hawaiian nature name

Kaleo— a like vowel-rich Hawaiian name

Makoa— a like strong Hawaiian choice

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By themenature place-name hawaiian lyrical

By meaningGift / Blessing Earth / Nature Honor

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kauai mean?

Kauai is the name of a Hawaiian island; its own etymology is debated. As a given name it is a place-name honoring the island, which we note respectfully.

How do you pronounce Kauai?

It's said kuh-WAH-ee /kəˈwɑ.i/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kauai a boy or girl name?

Kauai is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Kauai?

Kauai is a rare name for boys in the U.S.