Kona Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOH-nah //ˈkoʊ.nə//
Origin: Hawaiian; Japanese
Meaning: Hawaiian: 'the place'; Japanese: 'small' or 'little'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kona has its roots in the Hawaiian language, where it means "the place of the Kona" or "the leeward". This etymology reflects the geographical significance of the Kona region on the Big Island of Hawaii, which is situated on the western side of the island, characterized by its dry climate and sunny weather.
The name is derived from the Hawaiian word "kona," which refers to the leeward side of the island, contrasting with the windward side, known for its lush vegetation and rainfall. The transition of the name into English can be traced through the influence of Western exploration and colonization in the 18th and 19th centuries, when Hawaiian culture began to be documented and integrated into broader Western contexts.
Historically, the name Kona has been associated with various aspects of Hawaiian culture and identity. The region itself has been significant since ancient times, serving as a center for agriculture and trade among the Hawaiian Islands.
In the 19th century, as Western missionaries and settlers arrived in Hawaii, they began to document Hawaiian names and their meanings, contributing to the preservation of the name Kona in written form. The name is also linked to notable figures in Hawaiian history, including chiefs and aliʻi (royalty), who played crucial roles in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands during the late 18th century.
Culturally, Kona embodies a sense of place and identity within Hawaiian heritage. It is often associated with the natural beauty of the region, including its beaches, coffee plantations, and volcanic landscapes.
The name has also found resonance in various cultural expressions, such as music and literature, where it evokes themes of connection to the land and community. While diminutive forms or variations of the name are less common, the significance of Kona remains rooted in its historical and cultural context, representing a rich legacy that continues to be celebrated.
Famous people named Kona
In this section, you will find notable people named Kona. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kona who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kona who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Kona is a professional surfer best known for competing in the World Surf League and winning multiple championships.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kona, 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 Kona. 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 Kona was first seen in the United States in 1982.
Kona has ranked as high as #1352 nationally, which occurred in 2012, and has been most popular in California, and Hawaii.
In the past 5 years the name Kona has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kona 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 Kona was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Kona (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
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 Kona.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2007 | 21 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2005 | 18 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2003 | 14 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1982 | 6 |