Kawehi is a Hawaiian given name that carries the meaning "the adornment" or "the ornament." It is composed of the definite article ka ("the") and the noun wehi ("adornment, decoration"). This poetic etymology reflects the cultural value placed on beauty and ornamentation, especially in the context of nature, jewelry, or personal elegance. While primarily a female name, Kawehi is also sometimes used for males, consistent with many Hawaiian names that can be unisex. Etymology and Structure The name combines a grammatical particle with a descriptive root, a common pattern in Polynesian naming traditions. Hawaiian dictionary edited by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert confirms the literal meaning, and linguistically it can also serve as a short form of longer compounds beginning with Kawehi-, such as Kawehimaka or Kawehiʻula. The definite article ka infixes the sense of a unique or specific adornment, elevating the noun from general embellishment to something singular and held dear. Notable Bearers and Distribution Historically, Hawaiian given names often drew from nature, rank, or physical traits. Archives from the Hawaii State Library record that Kawehi (sometimes written as a mononym) was used in 19th-century marriages by at least one woman as an only name. Like many traditional Hawaiian names, its popularity fluctuated with colonization, revival movements, and modern appreciation for indigenous heritage. Today it occasionally appears in lists of Hawaiian baby names or in diaspora communities—often chosen for its melodic sound and cultural resonance.