[Waiakanaloa Wet Cave, Kauai] "On one occasion Queen Emma, on a tour of Kauai, visited the so-called Wet Cave at Haena, which she and her party explored with the aid of flaring torches. In memory of the event she conferred on the new-born infant of her host the significant name “Ka-Wai-Lama-Lama”--The Torch-Lit Water. So romantic a name might well be highly prized, even though it had not been the gift of a queen."
Whatever it may have been once, the modern personal name has lost all personal quality. John Smith, or William Jackson, or Levi Goldstein, have no exclusive personal claim to these names, either given or family. The surnames, Smith or Jackson or Goldstein, come down the family lines through the centuries it may be, and these last belated holders of them must share these names with thousands before them, it may be.
There is nothing about these names that they can really call their own. They are only a kind of family old clothes, handme-downs, very much worn, and sometimes very seedy and very shabby. And when it comes to the given names, John or William or Levi, still less can they make good any exclusive title; the world has been full of Johns and Williams and Levis since the beginning of time.
The civilized mother, when it comes to the choice of a name for her child, is led up, as it were, to a sort of name repository in which, on the front row, there is a well-worn collection of familiar names, William, Henry, James, John, Peter, etc. “These are good and worthy names, well proven by use,--how would one of these suit you?” She falters in an undertone that she would like something a little less worn, something a little more original. So, more or less reluctantly, from the dust in the rear, Harvey, or Eldridge, or Sanford is brought out for consideration. And after some hesitation she settles on Sanford, because she thinks it makes a rhythmic combination with Sommerfield, which is the child’s Family name. But really, as to why it should be either Sanford or Sommerfield, she can’t tell you for the life of her, except that it had to be something!
Now it is very different with the Hawaiian mother. She is absolutely untrammeled in her choice. She can ransack the heavens above, the earth beneath, and the waters under the earth, and out of this vast repertoire she can select a name that will suit her, a name that will mean something, and have some character and vitality of its own. She would resent for her children the ready-made hand-me-downs and misfits that we tolerate for ours; she will have her own names made to order, and to suit her, and if they are “ano e”--different--that is all right; that’s what she wants. And it would seem to any sane and uncultured mind that she is right.
Naturally this results in originality and individuality, where in our own names we find monotony and dry rot. An examination of 500 names, taken at random from the Yale catalogue shows eight Clarkes, eight Smiths, five Williams, and two each of eight or ten other familiar names. It reveals also 37 Williams, 30 Charles, 25 Johns, 18 Edwards and 7 James, with a number of others frequently repeated.
A similar examination of 500 names taken at random from the Land Commission Award Book shows only three names that recur three times, viz., Naiwi, Kowelo and Puhi, and some twenty others that recur twice. Furthermore the Yale names are more or less linguistically mixed, with French, German and Scandinavian strains, tending, of course, to give much greater variety, whereas the Land Commission names are narrowly and exclusively Hawaiian, and therefore more likely to repeat. In a word, the facts tend to confirm the theory.
By way of illustration, I offer the following examples of original names: The First-Born-Sure, Salt-for-the-Big-Fish, The-Place-of-Flies, Chicken-Feed, The Breath-of-Fragrance, The Prince-with-the-Big-Mouth, The-Misty-Eyes, The-Eight-Seas, The-Man-That-Digs-the-Dirt,” etc., etc.
Now, surely when an ordinary untutored Hawaiian mother sets out to ransack earth and sea and sky for the name for her child she must have some guiding impulse in her search or she would get utterly lost. Yes, she has; and it may be interesting to note some of the influences which determine in the choice of a name, where the range is so unlimited.
1. Accident of Birth
This often suggests a name just when and where it is needed, so that it is no more than natural that it should be adopted unless something better appeals. Bingham tells how the Queen Mother, being confined in a dark room because of some eye trouble, gave the name “Hale-Pouli”--Darkened House--to her infant son, born about that time. Another child was named “Hulu-Ili”--Skin Brush--because the mother’s skin had been painted with iodine with a small brush. One of Kamehameha’s servants, in his haste to supply the water demanded by his royal master, offered some that was not quite clean. Kamehameha noticed the defect and dashed the water back in his face, container and all, crying “Wai-lepo-lepo,”--Dirty water. What more fitting than the dramatic incident should be preserve in the name of that servant’s child, born about that time, who became “Wai-lepo-lepo”.
Nor need the incident be at all closely connected with the birth. Not uncommonly any striking experience fresh in the memory of the family, or of the friends, may serve to suggest the name. One acquaintance bears the name “Ka-Uahi-o-ka-Lua”--the Smoke of the Pit--suggested by a visit to the Volcano, on the part of a near relative at a time when smoke was the most impressive experience. Another bears the name “Ka-Luna-Kanawai”--The Judge--because of notable kindness shown by Judge Fornander to a man who came before him on a charge of burning a store at Kaluaaha on Molokai. The charge was not substantiated, and the man was discharged with kindly expressions of sympathy on the part of the genial old Judge. By way of grateful appreciation the next baby was christened Ka-Luna-Kanawai.
2. Memorial of Some Historic Event
When The Blonde brought from England the remains of Liholiho and his wife, and the two coffins were landed in Honolulu with much solemn pomp and ceremony, it made a great impression on the simple Hawaiians, and for some time “Na-Pahu-Elua”--The Two Coffins--was a familiar name for children of either sex.
When Debora Kapule, relict of Ka-umu-alii and Governess of Kauai, came to the close of her life, she preferred the request that she should not be buried in the common red soil of Waimea, but in the river gravel, in a Lua-ili-ili”--a Pebble Grave--and this so struck the Hawaiian fancy that it became a familiar name for children in that region.
3. Conferred as a Favor or Distinction
Somewhat as a modern notable may give you his picture or his autograph as evidence of appreciation, so the primitive notable often bestowed a name.
Kalakaua, as is well known, was reactionary in his sympathies, as was well versed in all these primitive customs and conditions. On one occasion, making the tour of Hawaii, he spent a day or two in Kau, as the guest of a local magnate who was an experienced billiard player. Kalakaua was adept at the game, and considered himself an expert whom it was hard to beat, but this opponent did it. With gracious enthusiasm Kalakaua exclaimed, “I pronounce you the Prince of Billiard Players; that shall be your Family Name!” So when the little grandchild came, who should be the heir of the estates, he was formally christened “Ke-Alii-Pahu-Pahu”--The Prince of Billiard Players.
On another occasion, when this same royal guest came to Kauai, he and his party made the tour of the island in brilliant red sweaters. Taking leave of one of his generous local hosts, he conferred the name “Ka-Huakai-Ula”--The Tour in Red--as a special gift for the next child, who still bears it.
On the occasion of his coronation he conferred on another child of the same family, the unique designation “Ka-Ehiku-o-ka-Lani”--The Seventh of Heaven--significant of his coronation as the seventh king of Hawaii, a name still proudly cherished by the recipients. Memorial of the death and burial of Lunalilo, Kanaina, his father, bestowed the name “Ka-Pahu-Ahu-Ula”--The Red-Mantled Coffin--on the child of one of their Kauai retainers, and the name remains as a family treasure to this day.
On one occasion Queen Emma, on a tour of Kauai, visited the so-called Wet Cave at Haena, which she and her party explored with the aid of flaring torches. In memory of the event she conferred on the new-born infant of her host the significant name “Ka-Wai-Lama-Lama”--The Torch-Lit Water. So romantic a name might well be highly prized, even though it had not been the gift of a queen.
It may not be generally known that the trees on Punchbowl near Honolulu owe their origin to the interest and efforts of a king, Kalakaua, as is evidenced in the following name, still carried by its owner but not often exhibited in its full glory:
“Titus-Ke-Lii-Houlu-Laau-Iluna-o-Puuowaina-Ka-Mahina-o-Aperila”--Titus the King Planting Trees Up on Punchbowl in the Month of April. The name Titus was given in memory of Titus Coan, and the rest in memory of the occasion when Kalakaua conducted a tree-planting party up onto Punchbowl. It is perhaps needless to say that this name has been very much reduced for daily use and that its owner passes as “Hoolu.”
It may be noted that these names were not conferred indiscriminately by the aliis,--they were pearls not lightly to be cast before swine, but were reserved as gifts of honor for the worthy, hosts and retainers, and were prized as such.
It will readily be seen how Hawaiian names may run to great length. Where a more or less complex action or condition is to be described a sentence is sometimes required to do it, and when, as in more civilized countries, an inventory of titles, real or imaginary, is required, it runs into name pretty fast. The common people must needs be content with one name, which could not well be so very long, but the Chiefs could indulge in greater extravagance in this as well as in other respects. So we find such names as that of Kaiulani, Victoria Kawekiu Kaiulani La Lani-Nui Ahi-Lapa-Lapa; that of Kamehameha the Third, Kauike-a-Ouli Kalei-o-Papa Kumau-o-Lani Mahina-Lani Kalani-Nui-Waiakua Keawe-awe-loa-i-ka-Lani; and that of Kalakaua, David Loaa-Manu Ka-Manu-Kapu Mahimi-Lani Lumu-Lani Na-ko ka Ehu-o-ka-Lani Kalakaua.
It may be noted that the designation Lani which recurs so frequently in these princely names, while in a sense a name, is also a title of honor equivalent to Highness or Excellency. Hence we find it used properly only in princely names. In more modern days it has been appropriated for common use, unduly and often without much intelligence.
Names were also given sometimes by way of deprecation, to mislead an adverse fate into relaxing a relentless persecution. In one particular case, where misfortune had followed a family through many children, the last one was named “Lapuwale”--Worthless--to throw dust, as it were, into the eyes of an adverse fate. In another case where the persecution had been particularly relentless the disgusting name “Kukae” was given, as a last resort, as with good effect apparently since the bearer still lives.
The Hawaiians made no distinction of sex in the giving of names. “The Breath of Fragrance” or “The Moon Upon the Sea” or “The Pink Flush of Dawn” is apt to be carried by some brawn, burly man, while a delicate, graceful girl may be “Door Yard Rubbish” or “Reckless Fast Rider.” The name gives no indication of the sex of the bearer, and in writing must be followed by the letter “k” for kane--man--or “w” for wahine--woman--which correspond to our Mr. or Mrs. and Miss. There was no distinction of title between Mrs. and Miss, Mrs. Hoapili being known, when necessary, as Hoapili Wahine. Generally she was known by her own personal maiden name, without any indication that she was married.
Of course it should be readily understood that all this applies to a primitive condition of things, that in its fullness is now long since a thing of the past. With eager readiness of assimilation, the Hawaiians have taken over our vices of civilization, in this as in other respects, and have discarded their own picturesque and significant nomenclature for our monotonous and meaningless one. In this, as in all else, in these islands, we must go far back from the beaten tracks to find anything primitive and truly Hawaiian.(80-86)
There is nothing about these names that they can really call their own. They are only a kind of family old clothes, handme-downs, very much worn, and sometimes very seedy and very shabby. And when it comes to the given names, John or William or Levi, still less can they make good any exclusive title; the world has been full of Johns and Williams and Levis since the beginning of time.
The civilized mother, when it comes to the choice of a name for her child, is led up, as it were, to a sort of name repository in which, on the front row, there is a well-worn collection of familiar names, William, Henry, James, John, Peter, etc. “These are good and worthy names, well proven by use,--how would one of these suit you?” She falters in an undertone that she would like something a little less worn, something a little more original. So, more or less reluctantly, from the dust in the rear, Harvey, or Eldridge, or Sanford is brought out for consideration. And after some hesitation she settles on Sanford, because she thinks it makes a rhythmic combination with Sommerfield, which is the child’s Family name. But really, as to why it should be either Sanford or Sommerfield, she can’t tell you for the life of her, except that it had to be something!
Now it is very different with the Hawaiian mother. She is absolutely untrammeled in her choice. She can ransack the heavens above, the earth beneath, and the waters under the earth, and out of this vast repertoire she can select a name that will suit her, a name that will mean something, and have some character and vitality of its own. She would resent for her children the ready-made hand-me-downs and misfits that we tolerate for ours; she will have her own names made to order, and to suit her, and if they are “ano e”--different--that is all right; that’s what she wants. And it would seem to any sane and uncultured mind that she is right.
Naturally this results in originality and individuality, where in our own names we find monotony and dry rot. An examination of 500 names, taken at random from the Yale catalogue shows eight Clarkes, eight Smiths, five Williams, and two each of eight or ten other familiar names. It reveals also 37 Williams, 30 Charles, 25 Johns, 18 Edwards and 7 James, with a number of others frequently repeated.
A similar examination of 500 names taken at random from the Land Commission Award Book shows only three names that recur three times, viz., Naiwi, Kowelo and Puhi, and some twenty others that recur twice. Furthermore the Yale names are more or less linguistically mixed, with French, German and Scandinavian strains, tending, of course, to give much greater variety, whereas the Land Commission names are narrowly and exclusively Hawaiian, and therefore more likely to repeat. In a word, the facts tend to confirm the theory.
By way of illustration, I offer the following examples of original names: The First-Born-Sure, Salt-for-the-Big-Fish, The-Place-of-Flies, Chicken-Feed, The Breath-of-Fragrance, The Prince-with-the-Big-Mouth, The-Misty-Eyes, The-Eight-Seas, The-Man-That-Digs-the-Dirt,” etc., etc.
Now, surely when an ordinary untutored Hawaiian mother sets out to ransack earth and sea and sky for the name for her child she must have some guiding impulse in her search or she would get utterly lost. Yes, she has; and it may be interesting to note some of the influences which determine in the choice of a name, where the range is so unlimited.
1. Accident of Birth
This often suggests a name just when and where it is needed, so that it is no more than natural that it should be adopted unless something better appeals. Bingham tells how the Queen Mother, being confined in a dark room because of some eye trouble, gave the name “Hale-Pouli”--Darkened House--to her infant son, born about that time. Another child was named “Hulu-Ili”--Skin Brush--because the mother’s skin had been painted with iodine with a small brush. One of Kamehameha’s servants, in his haste to supply the water demanded by his royal master, offered some that was not quite clean. Kamehameha noticed the defect and dashed the water back in his face, container and all, crying “Wai-lepo-lepo,”--Dirty water. What more fitting than the dramatic incident should be preserve in the name of that servant’s child, born about that time, who became “Wai-lepo-lepo”.
Nor need the incident be at all closely connected with the birth. Not uncommonly any striking experience fresh in the memory of the family, or of the friends, may serve to suggest the name. One acquaintance bears the name “Ka-Uahi-o-ka-Lua”--the Smoke of the Pit--suggested by a visit to the Volcano, on the part of a near relative at a time when smoke was the most impressive experience. Another bears the name “Ka-Luna-Kanawai”--The Judge--because of notable kindness shown by Judge Fornander to a man who came before him on a charge of burning a store at Kaluaaha on Molokai. The charge was not substantiated, and the man was discharged with kindly expressions of sympathy on the part of the genial old Judge. By way of grateful appreciation the next baby was christened Ka-Luna-Kanawai.
2. Memorial of Some Historic Event
When The Blonde brought from England the remains of Liholiho and his wife, and the two coffins were landed in Honolulu with much solemn pomp and ceremony, it made a great impression on the simple Hawaiians, and for some time “Na-Pahu-Elua”--The Two Coffins--was a familiar name for children of either sex.
When Debora Kapule, relict of Ka-umu-alii and Governess of Kauai, came to the close of her life, she preferred the request that she should not be buried in the common red soil of Waimea, but in the river gravel, in a Lua-ili-ili”--a Pebble Grave--and this so struck the Hawaiian fancy that it became a familiar name for children in that region.
3. Conferred as a Favor or Distinction
Somewhat as a modern notable may give you his picture or his autograph as evidence of appreciation, so the primitive notable often bestowed a name.
Kalakaua, as is well known, was reactionary in his sympathies, as was well versed in all these primitive customs and conditions. On one occasion, making the tour of Hawaii, he spent a day or two in Kau, as the guest of a local magnate who was an experienced billiard player. Kalakaua was adept at the game, and considered himself an expert whom it was hard to beat, but this opponent did it. With gracious enthusiasm Kalakaua exclaimed, “I pronounce you the Prince of Billiard Players; that shall be your Family Name!” So when the little grandchild came, who should be the heir of the estates, he was formally christened “Ke-Alii-Pahu-Pahu”--The Prince of Billiard Players.
On another occasion, when this same royal guest came to Kauai, he and his party made the tour of the island in brilliant red sweaters. Taking leave of one of his generous local hosts, he conferred the name “Ka-Huakai-Ula”--The Tour in Red--as a special gift for the next child, who still bears it.
On the occasion of his coronation he conferred on another child of the same family, the unique designation “Ka-Ehiku-o-ka-Lani”--The Seventh of Heaven--significant of his coronation as the seventh king of Hawaii, a name still proudly cherished by the recipients. Memorial of the death and burial of Lunalilo, Kanaina, his father, bestowed the name “Ka-Pahu-Ahu-Ula”--The Red-Mantled Coffin--on the child of one of their Kauai retainers, and the name remains as a family treasure to this day.
On one occasion Queen Emma, on a tour of Kauai, visited the so-called Wet Cave at Haena, which she and her party explored with the aid of flaring torches. In memory of the event she conferred on the new-born infant of her host the significant name “Ka-Wai-Lama-Lama”--The Torch-Lit Water. So romantic a name might well be highly prized, even though it had not been the gift of a queen.
It may not be generally known that the trees on Punchbowl near Honolulu owe their origin to the interest and efforts of a king, Kalakaua, as is evidenced in the following name, still carried by its owner but not often exhibited in its full glory:
“Titus-Ke-Lii-Houlu-Laau-Iluna-o-Puuowaina-Ka-Mahina-o-Aperila”--Titus the King Planting Trees Up on Punchbowl in the Month of April. The name Titus was given in memory of Titus Coan, and the rest in memory of the occasion when Kalakaua conducted a tree-planting party up onto Punchbowl. It is perhaps needless to say that this name has been very much reduced for daily use and that its owner passes as “Hoolu.”
It may be noted that these names were not conferred indiscriminately by the aliis,--they were pearls not lightly to be cast before swine, but were reserved as gifts of honor for the worthy, hosts and retainers, and were prized as such.
It will readily be seen how Hawaiian names may run to great length. Where a more or less complex action or condition is to be described a sentence is sometimes required to do it, and when, as in more civilized countries, an inventory of titles, real or imaginary, is required, it runs into name pretty fast. The common people must needs be content with one name, which could not well be so very long, but the Chiefs could indulge in greater extravagance in this as well as in other respects. So we find such names as that of Kaiulani, Victoria Kawekiu Kaiulani La Lani-Nui Ahi-Lapa-Lapa; that of Kamehameha the Third, Kauike-a-Ouli Kalei-o-Papa Kumau-o-Lani Mahina-Lani Kalani-Nui-Waiakua Keawe-awe-loa-i-ka-Lani; and that of Kalakaua, David Loaa-Manu Ka-Manu-Kapu Mahimi-Lani Lumu-Lani Na-ko ka Ehu-o-ka-Lani Kalakaua.
It may be noted that the designation Lani which recurs so frequently in these princely names, while in a sense a name, is also a title of honor equivalent to Highness or Excellency. Hence we find it used properly only in princely names. In more modern days it has been appropriated for common use, unduly and often without much intelligence.
Names were also given sometimes by way of deprecation, to mislead an adverse fate into relaxing a relentless persecution. In one particular case, where misfortune had followed a family through many children, the last one was named “Lapuwale”--Worthless--to throw dust, as it were, into the eyes of an adverse fate. In another case where the persecution had been particularly relentless the disgusting name “Kukae” was given, as a last resort, as with good effect apparently since the bearer still lives.
The Hawaiians made no distinction of sex in the giving of names. “The Breath of Fragrance” or “The Moon Upon the Sea” or “The Pink Flush of Dawn” is apt to be carried by some brawn, burly man, while a delicate, graceful girl may be “Door Yard Rubbish” or “Reckless Fast Rider.” The name gives no indication of the sex of the bearer, and in writing must be followed by the letter “k” for kane--man--or “w” for wahine--woman--which correspond to our Mr. or Mrs. and Miss. There was no distinction of title between Mrs. and Miss, Mrs. Hoapili being known, when necessary, as Hoapili Wahine. Generally she was known by her own personal maiden name, without any indication that she was married.
Of course it should be readily understood that all this applies to a primitive condition of things, that in its fullness is now long since a thing of the past. With eager readiness of assimilation, the Hawaiians have taken over our vices of civilization, in this as in other respects, and have discarded their own picturesque and significant nomenclature for our monotonous and meaningless one. In this, as in all else, in these islands, we must go far back from the beaten tracks to find anything primitive and truly Hawaiian.(80-86)