Mahina Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: mah-HEE-nah /məˈhiːnə/
Origin: Hawaiian; Maori
Meaning: Hawaiian: moon; Maori: moonlight
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mahina has its roots in the Hawaiian language, where it translates to "moon." This etymology is derived from the Proto-Polynesian word *mahina, which also means "moon" and is linked to various Polynesian languages. The term reflects the significance of the moon in Polynesian culture, often associated with navigation, agriculture, and mythology.
The name entered the English lexicon through the influence of Hawaiian culture and the broader interest in Polynesian languages and traditions during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly as Western explorers and missionaries documented these languages and cultures. Historically, the moon has held a prominent place in various mythologies and traditions across cultures.
In Hawaiian mythology, the moon is personified as a deity, often linked to fertility and growth. The lunar cycles were crucial for agricultural practices, influencing planting and harvesting times.
This cultural resonance contributed to the name's significance, as it embodies natural cycles and the connection to the land, which are central themes in Hawaiian life. The name Mahina may also be associated with various figures in Hawaiian folklore, though specific historical milestones are less documented compared to other names.
The name Mahina carries symbolic weight, representing not only the celestial body but also the broader themes of illumination, guidance, and the passage of time. Its poetic nature and connection to the natural world have allowed it to endure in cultural memory.
Additionally, the name may have diminutive forms or variations in different Polynesian cultures, reflecting local linguistic adaptations. Overall, Mahina serves as a reminder of the deep ties between language, culture, and the natural environment.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Mahina, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Mahina. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mahina was first seen in the United States in 1974.
Mahina has ranked as high as #5432 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Hawaii, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Mahina has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Mahina is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Mahina was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Mahina.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 38 | 38 |
| 2024 | 42 | 42 |
| 2023 | 52 | 52 |
| 2022 | 53 | 53 |
| 2021 | 34 | 34 |
| 2020 | 28 | 28 |
| 2019 | 38 | 38 |
| 2018 | 22 | 22 |
| 2017 | 23 | 23 |
| 2016 | 26 | 26 |
| 2015 | 19 | 19 |
| 2014 | 22 | 22 |
| 2013 | 24 | 24 |
| 2012 | 17 | 17 |
| 2011 | 16 | 16 |
| 2010 | 20 | 20 |
| 2009 | 12 | 12 |
| 2008 | 14 | 14 |
| 2007 | 10 | 10 |
| 2006 | 15 | 15 |
| 2005 | 15 | 15 |
| 2004 | 12 | 12 |
| 2003 | 14 | 14 |
| 2002 | 11 | 11 |
| 2001 | 13 | 13 |
| 2000 | 12 | 12 |
| 1999 | 11 | 11 |
| 1998 | 11 | 11 |
| 1996 | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 | 6 | 6 |
| 1994 | 12 | 12 |
| 1993 | 8 | 8 |
| 1991 | 5 | 5 |
| 1990 | 10 | 10 |
| 1985 | 6 | 6 |
| 1983 | 5 | 5 |
| 1974 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Mahina (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| HI | 15 | |
| CA | 5 |