Kawena

Hawaiian

Etymology

ka (“the”) + wena (“glow”). Made famous by Mary Kawena Pukui, whose name was shortened from Kawenaʻulaokalaniahiʻiakaikapoliopelekawahineʻaihonua "The rosy glow of the sky of Hiʻiaka in the bosom of Pele, the earth-eating woman."

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kaˈwe.na/, [kəˈʋɛ.nə]

Proper noun

Kawena

1. a female given name from Hawaiian

References

• Mary Kawena Pukui, Nānā I Ke Kumu, Hui Hanai 1972, Vol. 1, pages 95-96.
• Hawaii State Archives: Marriage records The name does not appear in 19th century marriage records.
• Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names by State: included in the top hundred first names for girls born in the State of Hawaii in 2005.